Detoxing from methadone may be an extremely difficult course of action, an experience which is known to be much more intense than even heroin detox. Due to this, a lot of people who become involved in a methadone maintenance program or use the drug recreationally find it extremely difficult to stop. Likewise, some might just switch to another prescription drug to stop detox symptoms then become dependent to that drug. Prescription drugs like Suboxone or Buprenorphine may lessen methadone withdrawal symptoms, but they most definitely aren't going to cure any kind of addiction or dependency problem. However, there are ways to start methadone detox so that the individual could get through detoxification without using other drugs. Inside a drug detoxification facility or drug and alcohol rehab facility which assists people who are going through methadone detoxification, detox professionals 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 addicted need extensive treatment after detoxification if any type of long-term abstinence can be expected, people who have completed a methadone detox must stay in an alcohol and drug rehabilitation program for as long as considered needed by rehab experts.