26 Jan 2026
Due to stigma surrounding opioid use, names and certain personal details have been changed to protect privacy.
In the quiet rhythm of his daily life, Frank finds purpose and stability. He cherishes his role as a father, maintains the home he inherited from his parents and prioritizes his health. But his existence wasn’t always so peaceful. For years, opioid use shaped a reality far from the one he lives today.
The path to a new beginning
Frank began using opioids early on. In his late teens and early twenties, he noticed a need for change, but the eventual decision to turn over a new leaf unfolded over several years.
"I wanted help, but I wanted to do it my way,” Frank says.
At 31, he reached a turning point driven by a deep weariness of his old patterns. "I was just tired of hurting myself.”
His first experience with recovery occurred in rehab, which he acknowledges was helpful, even if he wasn't ready to fully embrace it then. “At the time, it was overwhelming to hear ‘One day at a time,’” he admits. “But the teaching always stuck with me.”
Although the process initially seemed daunting, through consistent effort, it eventually became an integrated part of Frank's routine.
A critical step forward
While in rehab, Frank learned about medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs that could support his road to recovery. MAT programs include FDA-approved medications such as buprenorphine, naltrexone and methadone. These medications are key components of treatment because they help reduce cravings, stabilize patients and block the euphoric effects of opioids—supporting recovery and improving quality of life. Unlike abrupt detox, these treatments provide a controlled, long-acting alternative that allows individuals to focus on rebuilding their lives without the constant cycle of withdrawal and relapse.
Compared to non-medication programs, evidence has shown that medication-based therapy yields better results in sustained recovery. Methadone, for example, helps improve retention in care: one large U.S. study reported an 88% retention rate at 30 days, with programs often maintaining over 60% engagement at one year. Even more compelling, methadone may help reduce overdose mortality by nearly 59% in the year following treatment initiation, showing promise as a more sustainable path to overcoming opioid use.
When considering methadone treatment for his own recovery journey, Frank faced common misconceptions. "I’d heard stories of people being stuck on it — like getting high — and having to go every day." Despite these doubts, a strong resolve to change his life, coupled with a sense that he had exhausted other options, led him to consider the treatment. "I had nothing to lose, so I thought, ‘All right, I'll give it a shot.’"
The frequent trips to the clinic were challenging, especially early on when he had to bring his young son for long rides on buses, subways and trolley rides. However, Frank learned to adapt, finding unexpected benefits. "I've learned to make the best of a situation you don't necessarily want to do."
Eventually, he discovered that the daily trips for methadone treatment gave him a reason to visit a nearby gym more often, turning a perceived burden into a healthier routine.
A full toolbox for lasting recovery
Frank's life since starting methadone has changed "only positively," he says. He admits to using opioids off and on for the first few years of treatment, but methadone ultimately provided the stability needed to break free. "I probably wouldn't do half the stuff [I do now]. I'm able to pay bills, take care of my son, take care of my house and go to the [recovery] program."
While he credits methadone with helping him achieve the mental clarity he once felt he lacked, Frank views methadone not as a standalone solution but as a vital resource within a larger system of support.
"Methadone is one of many things that helped me stay where I am. Not any one thing does it."
When it comes to lasting recovery, Frank is thankful for his comprehensive ‘toolbox’ of resources, which includes his sponsor, his counselor, group meetings and his family. "If any one thing falls out, I still have a pretty full toolbox."
During the most challenging phases of recovery, Frank’s toolbox proved invaluable. Along the way, he learned the importance of attending program meetings even when he didn't want to and finding new perspective in others' experiences. He recalls a powerful moment where another individual's story of profound loss helped him reframe his own pain. "If I hadn't gone to meetings, I wouldn't have heard that. It wasn't just about venting but about hearing other people's experiences."
To anyone considering methadone treatment, Frank offers this advice: "You have nothing to lose. If you keep bumping your head over and over again, you keep running into the same wall. There’s no harm in trying something else."
He emphasizes that while it's easy to return to old habits, the opportunity for recovery is precious. "You can always leave. You can always go get high, but you can't always go back and do recovery."
Supporting recovery through comprehensive care
Stories like Frank’s serve as a reminder that recovery from opioid use is a process that requires the right support system and the right resources. MAT programs are an important part of that foundation, helping individuals move toward a healthier future.
At Labcorp, we’re committed to supporting these efforts with reliable testing that helps keep recovery on track as part of our overall mission to improve health and improve lives.