Lots of people don't understand this completely once 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 abused illicitly, produces considerable dependence which is much more severe than other opiates such as heroin. For that reason, individuals who would like to stop use of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of treatment specialists. Those who have attempted to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can tell you that this is practically impossible, and most relapse in a short time. With professional methadone detoxification, there is hope for individuals who desire to abstain from the drug forever. Within an alcohol and drug detoxification facility alcohol and drug rehab program which treats methadone dependence and addiction treatment professionals do everything they can to help ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is really a safe process. There are no real health hazards associated with methadone detoxification if the person is healthy, but this isn't always true. Bad health due to drug or alcohol use might make methadone detoxification dangerous, and is one more reason people should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional setting.