Feature Health & Medicine

Vaccines could counter addictive opioids

Shots that harness the body's immune system may help addicts stay clean

a person shooting up

ADDICTION EPIDEMIC  The power of opioid dependence sends growing numbers of people to street drugs and deadly chemical mixes.

Paul Faith/AP Images

By Susan Gaidos

- More than 2 years ago

By age 25, Patrick Schnur had cycled through a series of treatment programs, trying different medications to kick his heroin habit. But the drugs posed problems too: Vivitrol injections were painful and created intense heroin cravings as the drug wore off.