Detoxing from methadone could be a very difficult thing to do, an experience which is known as much more intense than even heroin detoxification. For that reason, many people who get embroiled in a methadone maintenance program or abuse the drug recreationally find it nearly impossible to stop. Likewise, some may just switch to another medical drug to stop detox symptoms and after that become dependent to that drug. Prescription drugs like Suboxone or Buprenorphine may reduce methadone withdrawal symptoms, but they definitely aren't going to cure any sort of addiction or dependency problem. Nonetheless, there are ways to start methadone detox so that the individual will get through detox without using other drugs. In the drug detoxification center or drug rehab program which will help people experiencing methadone detox, detoxification specialists will most likely help the individual gradually decrease their dosage of the drug or cease use entirely should they be physically able to do so. Because individuals who are opiate dependant need intensive treatment following detoxification if any sort of long-term abstinence is to be expected, people who have completed a methadone detoxification must stay in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program as long as deemed necessary by rehabilitation professionals.