Ondansetron Treatment for Alcoholism

Pharmacological Treatment for Alcoholism

The purpose of this study is to: a) evaluate the effectiveness of ondansetron (Zofran) in the treatment of alcohol dependent patients; b) investigate whether early versus late onset alcoholism predicts treatment outcome; and c) determine whether the early and late onset groups respond differently to treatment. Individuals will be "typed" into early onset and late onset alcoholism groups. Individuals will be randomly assigned to a 12-week outpatient treatment program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Meet criteria for alcohol dependence.
• Subjects with early onset alcoholism must also have a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder.
• Understand the requirements of the study and be able to complete the questionnaires and rating scales.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current diagnosis of substance dependence or self-report of having used narcotics (opiates, cocaine, amphetamine-like substances, and hallucinogens) in the 30 day period prior to study.
• Positive urine drug screen test for narcotics, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines.
• Receiving current psychotropic medications.
• Current history of other psychiatric disorders excluding nicotine dependence.
• Hepatocellular disease.
• Pregnant females.