Integrative Therapy in Alcoholism

Acamprosate and Integrative Behavior Therapy in the Outpatient Treatment of Alcohol Dependents

The main aim of this project consists in the investigation of the interaction of behavior therapy and Acamprosate in the outpatient treatment of alcoholic patients in a randomized, prospective and (regarding study medication Acamprosate vs. Placebo) double blind design. A total of 371 patients has been randomly assigned immediately after detoxification to one of three different outpatient treat-ment conditions.

The objective of this multi-center study is to optimize the long-term treatment of patients with alcohol dependence. This investigation should contribute to the issue of effective relapse prevention. Each treatment condition is lasting 6 months: a) Behavior Group Therapy + Acamprosate, b) Behavior Group Therapy + Placebo and c) support and counseling + Acamprosate. Follow-up examinations carried out 3 and 6 months after the end of treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• DSMIV criteria of alcoholism
• Age between 25 and 60
• Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Residence outside of the catchment area
• Legal reasons
• Insufficient knowledge of the German language
• Substance abuse or addiction other than alcohol or nicotine
• Pregnancy
• Serious physical illness
• Organic brain disease
• Contraindication to Acamprosate treatment