Research on Individualized Treatment for Alcoholism (RITA)

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