A lot of people don't understand this completely whenever they start a methadone maintenance program, but methadone as a prescription drug doesn't in fact treat opiate dependency. Methadone, whether used as part of an opiate maintenance program or abused illegally, produces significant dependence which is much more severe than most other opiates such as heroin. Due to this, individuals who want to get off of methadone will likely need to undergo methadone detoxification with the help of rehab specialists. Whoever has attempted to stop methadone use by themselves cold turkey can tell you that this is virtually impossible, and most relapse rapidly. With professional methadone detoxification, there's hope for individuals who desire to abstain from the drug once and for all. Within a drug and alcohol detoxification program drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility which deals with methadone dependence and addiction treatment professionals work tirelessly to relieve withdrawal symptoms and make sure methadone detoxification is really a safe course of action. There aren't any real health risks related to methadone detoxification if the individual is in good health, however this isn't always the case. Bad health as a result of substance abuse may make methadone detoxification risky, which is one more reason individuals should undergo methadone detoxification within a specialist setting.