A study in patients with alcohol dependence to see if MK0594 is safe and effective in maintaining absence of heavy drinking over a 12-week treatment period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient has Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, text revision diagnosis of alcohol dependence and alcohol addiction
• Patient has two heavy drinking days in the last 30 days
• Patient has 3 days of abstinence from alcohol right before taking study medication
• Patient has lived in the same residence for the last 2 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• If female, patient is pregnant or breastfeeding
• Patient anticipated inpatient alcohol treatment
• Patient has a history of suicide attempt in the last year
• Patient has schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
• Patient has a history of multiple or serious allergies
• Patient has participated in a clinical trial in the last 30 days