Many individuals don't realize this fully once they begin a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't in fact effectively resolve opiate addiction. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, produces significant dependence which is way more severe than most other opiates including heroin. For that reason, individuals who would like to stop use of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the aid of rehabilitation specialists. Those who have tried to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can tell you that this is nearly impossible, and many relapse quickly. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for those who would like to get off of the drug forever. Within an alcohol and drug detoxification center drug and alcohol rehab program which treats methadone dependence and addiction treatment professionals do everything they can to relieve withdrawal symptoms and ensure methadone detoxification is a safe process. There are no real health threats connected with methadone detoxification when the person is healthy, however, this isn't always the case. Bad health because of drug or alcohol use may make methadone detoxification dangerous, which is one more reason people should undergo methadone detoxification in a specialist facility.