Many individuals don't realize this completely whenever they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription drug doesn't actually treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, produces significant dependence which is far more severe than other opiates including heroin. Because of this, individuals who would like to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of treatment professionals. Those who have attempted to stop methadone use independently abruptly can advise you that this is practically impossible, and most relapse rapidly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for individuals who would like to abstain from the drug for good. In a drug and alcohol detox program drug and alcohol rehab program which handled methadone dependency and addiction treatment experts work tirelessly to help ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe course of action. There won't be any real health problems associated with methadone detoxification if the person is in good health, however, this isn't always the case. Poor health because of drug or alcohol use might make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason people should undergo methadone detoxification within a professional facility.