Many individuals don't understand this fully whenever they commence a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription medication doesn't actually treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether included in an opiate maintenance program or used illicitly, creates significant dependence which is far more severe than most other opiates such as heroin. For this reason, individuals who wish to get off of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehabilitation professionals. Those who have tried to stop methadone use on their own abruptly can tell you that this is virtually impossible, and most relapse in a short time. With expert methadone detoxification, there's hope for those who desire to get off of the drug forever. Inside an alcohol and drug detoxification center alcohol and drug rehabilitation center which handled methadone dependence and addiction rehab specialists do everything they can to help ease withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe process. There aren't any real health threats linked to methadone detoxification if the person is in good health, but this isn't always the case. Poor health due to drug or alcohol use could make methadone detoxification risky, and is another reason people should undergo methadone detoxification in a professional setting.