Detoxing from methadone could be a very difficult course of action, an experience which is known to be considerably more extreme than even heroin detox. For that reason, a lot of people who get involved in a methadone maintenance program or abuse the drug recreationally find it almost impossible to give up. Likewise, some may just switch to another prescription drug to stop detox symptoms and after that become dependent to that particular drug. Prescription drugs like Suboxone or Buprenorphine may reduce methadone detox symptoms, but they most likely aren't going to cure any type of drug abuse or dependency problem. However, you can start methadone detox so that the person can get through detoxification without having to use other drugs. Inside a drug detoxification center or alcohol and drug treatment program which helps people experiencing methadone detoxification, detox professionals will likely help the individual gradually decrease their dosage of the drug or stop use entirely if they are physically able to do so. Because people who are opiate addicted need intensive rehabilitation following detox if any type of long-term sobriety is to be expected, individuals who have completed a methadone detoxification must remain in a drug rehabilitation facility for as long as considered required by treatment experts.