Research on Individualized Treatment for Alcoholism

Inclusion Criteria: * men and women between the ages of 21-65 * current DSM-IV diagnosis of alcohol dependence * abstinent for a minimum of 3 and maximum of 21 days prior to treatment initiation * able to participate in an 18-month outpatient study * live within a one hour or less commute to Fairbanks * fluent in English * women of child-bearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test and use effective contraceptive methods. * score as contemplators or greater on the Readiness For Change Scale Exclusion Criteria: * severe hepatic disease (gGGT, SGOT or other liver functions greater than 4 times normal) * opiate use (for any reason) in the last 14 days or a history of opioid dependence in the past year * pregnant or lactating females or those unwilling to use birth control * inability, according to the opinion of the interviewer, to follow medication instructions and safety precautions * comorbid substance dependence (but not abuse) diagnosis in the past 6 months, excluding nicotine or marijuana dependence * concomitant use of medications intended to decrease drinking (e.g. disulfiram) * meeting current DSM criteria for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, bulimia/anorexia, dementia, major depression