Detoxing from methadone could be a very difficult course of action, an experience which is known as far more extreme than even heroin detoxification. Because of this, many people who get involved in a methadone maintenance program or use the drug recreationally find it almost impossible to give up. Likewise, some might just switch to a different prescription drug to curb detox symptoms and then become dependent to that drug. Medication like Suboxone or Buprenorphine may reduce methadone withdrawal symptoms, but they most likely aren't going to cure any kind of addiction or dependency issue. Nonetheless, there are ways to start methadone detox so that the person can get through detoxification without using other drugs. Within a drug detox center or alcohol and drug treatment facility that helps people experiencing methadone detox, detoxification 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. Simply because those who are opiate dependant need extensive rehab after detoxification if any sort of long-term abstinence can be expected, people who have completed a methadone detoxification must continue in a drug treatment center for as long as considered required by rehab professionals.