>> never felt better. >> reporter: what if a shot or implant could help alcoholics and prescription drug addicts the same way insulin treats diabetes or prozac aids depression? vivitral, to treat alcohol dependence. life altering for tens of thousand of alcoholics like patricia. >> is has been a godsend. it is like my lottery ticket. >> the fda approved the drug to treat the americans addicted to painkillers. >> was it a no brainer? >> if you can get it in. addicts don't hatch to choose whether to take it or not. it is likely going to have an impact. >> reporter: carolyn is a recovering painkiller addict. >> i took one of my pills. >> reporter: that high she got wouldn't happen with vivitrol. the narcotic is injected once a