Each time we talk about vaccination, the first thing that usually comes to mind is protection from some sort of flu or some harmful diseases and conditions. Hardly does anyone think of a vaccine for addiction. Well, it turns out that is exactly what we might be getting not too long from now.

Researchers have for many years now been working on something that would counteract the stimulants in drugs likes cocaine and nicotine. Eventually, the researchers hope to get something that will work to prevent even alcohol addiction.

This is a major milestone in the research world and the experts themselves know just how groundbreaking such a discovery would be. There are drugs that currently exist to help drug addicts deal with their problem. However, a vaccine will eliminate the need for people to take such medications all together. Researchers also argue that vaccines will have fewer side effects compared to constant medications being consumed.

While there continues to be growing debates on the possibility and effectiveness of such a venture, experts note that drug addicts successfully interfere the brain’s pleasure and reward centers. Drugs stimulate these centers and make them recognize the “high” effect. So if scientists can prevent drugs from creating their “high” effects, they would be able to prevent the brain from formulating cravings for the drug. That is exactly what researchers are working to do.

According to researchers, the idea is to have the vaccine reach the drug and sort of neutralize it before it gets to the brain. The researchers seem to have advanced with such a vaccine and are noting that it will be used only on people undergoing recovery from substance abuse. The vaccine will be introduced into immunization programs; at least not so soon. They will, however, be an option for people who find themselves vulnerable to addiction and really want to do something about it.