Lots of people don't realize this completely once they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't actually effectively resolve opiate addiction. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illegally, creates considerable dependence which is much more severe than most other opiates like heroin. Due to this, individuals who would like to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehab specialists. Those who have tried to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can tell you that this is almost impossible, and many relapse very quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for individuals who would like to abstain from the drug for good. In a drug and alcohol detox program drug and alcohol rehab center which deals with methadone dependence and addiction treatment experts do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is a safe process. There won't be any real health hazards associated with methadone detoxification if the individual is healthy, however, this isn't always true. Poor health because of drug or alcohol use may make methadone detoxification risky, which is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification in a specialist facility.