Many people don't understand this completely when they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone being a prescription drug doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, creates considerable dependence which is far more severe than other opiates like heroin. For that reason, individuals who want to get off of methadone will need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation professionals. Anyone who has tried to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can advise you that this is nearly impossible, and many relapse in a short time. With expert methadone detoxification, there is certainly hope for many who would like to abstain from the drug completely. In a drug and alcohol detox program alcohol and drug rehab program which handled methadone dependence and addiction rehab professionals do everything they can to ease withdrawal symptoms and make certain methadone detoxification is a safe process. There are no real health problems associated with methadone detoxification in the event the person is in good health, but this isn't always true. Poor health as a consequence of drug abuse may make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason folks should undergo methadone detoxification inside a specialist setting.