Many people don't understand this completely whenever they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medicine doesn't actually treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illegally, produces significant dependence which is far more severe than other opiates such as heroin. For that reason, individuals who want to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of treatment professionals. Individuals who have attempted to stop methadone use on their own abruptly can advise you that this is almost impossible, and most relapse very quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there's hope for those who wish to get off of the drug forever. Inside a drug and alcohol detox program drug treatment center which deals with methadone dependence and addiction rehab specialists do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is a safe process. There aren't any real health risks connected with methadone detoxification if the person is in good health, however, this isn't always the case. Poor health due to substance abuse could make methadone detoxification dangerous, which is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional facility.