Many people don't realize this completely when they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription drug doesn't in fact treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, produces significant dependence which is much more severe than most other opiates like heroin. Due to this, individuals who would like to get off of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehab specialists. Anyone who has attempted to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can advise you that this is virtually impossible, and most relapse quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there's hope for individuals who need to get off of the drug for good. In a drug detox center drug rehabilitation facility which deals with methadone dependence and addiction rehabilitation specialists do everything they can to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There aren't any real health hazards associated with methadone detoxification when the person is in good health, but this isn't always the case. Poor health due to substance abuse could make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional facility.