Post-Treatment Effects of Naltrexone

Inclusion criteria

• Meets current diagnosis of alcohol dependence and have been abstinent for a minimum of 3 and maximum of 21 days prior to treatment
• Must be able to participate in an 18-month outpatient study, and live within a one hour or less commute to treatment facility.
• Must be fluent in English.
• Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test.

Exclusion criteria

• Severe hepatic disease or a liver function test greater than 4 times normal.
• Opiate use in the last 14 days or a history of opioid dependence in the past year.
• Pregnant or lactating females who are not using a reliable method of birth control.
• Inability to follow medication instructions and safety precautions.
• Comorbid substance dependence diagnosis in the past 6-months, excluding nicotine or marijuana dependence.
• Use of medications intended to decrease drinking.
• Meets criteria for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, bulimia/anorexia, dementia, major depression.