Many people don't understand this fully when they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription medication doesn't actually effectively resolve opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, creates considerable dependence which is far more severe than other opiates including heroin. Because of this, individuals who want to stop use of methadone will have to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of treatment professionals. Whoever has attempted to stop methadone use independently cold turkey can tell you that this is virtually impossible, and most relapse very quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for those who desire to abstain from the drug completely. In an alcohol and drug detox facility drug and alcohol treatment center which handled methadone dependence and addiction rehabilitation specialists do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There are no real health threats linked to methadone detoxification if the person is in good health, however this isn't always the case. Bad health due to substance abuse might make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification inside a professional setting.