Many people don't realize this completely once they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medicine doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illicitly, produces significant dependence which is much more extreme than other opiates such as heroin. Due to this, individuals who wish to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of treatment professionals. Individuals who have attempted to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can advise you that this is nearly impossible, and most relapse quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for individuals who desire to get off of the drug completely. Within a drug and alcohol detox facility drug and alcohol rehab program which deals with methadone dependence and addiction rehabilitation professionals do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is a safe process. There aren't any real health hazards related to methadone detoxification in the event the person is healthy, however this isn't always the case. Bad health because of substance abuse could make methadone detoxification risky, and is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional facility.