Drinkers trying to overcome the disease of alcoholism say two very small pills have suddenly become the miracle they've been looking for.

For many, the medications are keeping them sober.

Science Specialist Ed Yeates shows us how they work, in our special report "Beating the Bottle."

Addiction experts say anytime in medicine when you can double the survival rate, that's front page news.

That's exactly how they would handle this story, describing alcoholics who've used these new pills.

TODD DUKE: "I WOULD JUST CONTINUE TO DRINK AND DRINK AND DRINK AND DRINK UNTIL I JUST COULDN'T DRINK ANYMORE, OR UNTIL I PASSED OUT."

Todd Duke says his life was completely out of control. He was spending $500 to $600 per month on an assortment of beverages. He would blow things off, not showing up for appointments or family gatherings. And when he did appear, he was usually drunk.

TODD DUKE: SITTING WITH FRIENDS, DOING SHOTS OF TEQUILA, AND JUST BOTTLE AFTER BOTTLE."

He remembers one night, trying to drive home, not being able to see ten feet in front of the car.

TODD DUKE: "I BLACKED OUT AND PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND DIDN'T KNOW WHERE I WAS."

ED YEATES: "PROBABLY, THAT NIGHT IN THE CAR WAS ONE OF THE TURNING POINTS FOR TODD. HE KNEW HE WAS IN TROUBLE AND NEEDED HELP."

Help was there, but more than expected. Along with the traditional process of recognition, withdrawal and support from groups like Dayspring and Alcoholics Anonymous, Dr. Michael Crookston placed Todd on a drug called Naltrexone.

TODD DUKE: "THAT CRAVING BASICALLY FOR ME, WENT AWAY. IT MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE FOR ME."

Even in the presence of drinkers, or the smell of liquor, Todd didn't relapse.

MICHAEL CROOKSTON, M.D., DAYSPRING ADDICTION PROGRAM: "ONE OF THE REMARKABLE THINGS TO ME IS THAT IT ALMOST DOUBLED THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO STAY SUBSTANTIALLY SOBER."

"WE KNOW THAT IT WORKS BETTER TO TAKE IT FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS AND POSSIBLY UP TO A YEAR."

The high risk period is the first few weeks and months after withdrawal. Naltrexone buffers that edge substantially.

Alcohol increases endorphins or the natural opiate system in the brain which affects the area that stimulates pleasure and reward. Naltrexone blocks that effect, souring the appetite for a drink.

TODD DUKE: "I WAS NOT APPLYING ALL MY TIME SAYING 'NO, NO, NO,' YOU KNOW, SITTING ON YOUR HANDS FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES AND SAYING 'NO, NO, I CAN'T GO TO THE STORE.'"

Now there's evidence a second experimental drug called Acamprosate when combined with Naltrexone will do even more to eliminate the urge to drink.

Remaining sober is what it's all about. What a change it's made in Todd's life.

TODD DUKE: "I AM BETTER LIKED BY MY FAMILY, BETTER LIKED BY MY FRIENDS. I WOULD SAY YES, TO ME IT WAS A MIRACLE."

Dr. Crookston says we still haven't reached a point where someone suffering an addiction can just take a pill and do nothing else.