Study of Campral (Acamprosate) for Alcohol Dependence in a Family Medicine Clinic

INCLUSION CRITERIA: * 1\. Men and women ages 21 to 65 years with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence. * 2\. History of at least 2 heavy drinking days (men \> 5 drinks/day; women \> 4 drinks/day) per week, on average, during the month prior to screening. * 3\. Ability to understand and sign written informed consent. * 4\. Willingness to refrain from drinking for at least three days prior to randomization. * 5\. Willingness to consider a goal of abstinence or a significant reduction in drinking as an objective. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * 1\. Clinically significant medical disease that might interfere with the evaluation of the study medication or present a safety concern. * 2\. Clinically significant psychiatric disease, e.g. bipolar disorder, psychosis, that might interfere with study participation or present a safety concern. \[Subjects with depression or an anxiety disorder who are receiving medication and are clinically stable for at least one month will not be excluded.\] * 3\. Suicidal ideation or behavior, history of suicide attempt. * 4\. Renal Impairment; estimated creatinine clearance \<50 ml/min. * 5\. Substance use disorder other than alcohol or nicotine dependence or cannabis abuse. * 6\. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and women of childbearing potential who do not practice a medically acceptable form of birth control (oral or depot contraceptive, or barrier methods such as diaphragm or condom with spermicidal). * 7\. Individuals requiring inpatient treatment or more intense outpatient treatment for their alcohol dependence. Individuals may be considered for the trial upon completion of medical detoxification.