Many individuals don't understand this completely when they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription drug doesn't in fact treat opiate addiction. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, creates considerable dependence which is far more extreme than other opiates such as heroin. For that reason, individuals who wish to get off of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehab professionals. Those who have tried to stop methadone use independently abruptly can tell you that this is virtually impossible, and most relapse very quickly. With expert methadone detoxification, there is hope for those who wish to get off of the drug forever. Inside a drug detoxification center drug and alcohol rehabilitation center which handled methadone dependence and addiction rehab experts work tirelessly to relieve withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is a safe process. There won't be any real health problems connected with methadone detoxification if the individual is healthy, however, this isn't always true. Poor health as a consequence of substance abuse could make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason people should undergo methadone detoxification in a specialist setting.