Does Guanfacine Attenuate Stress-Induced Drinking?

Does Guanfacine Attenuate Stress-Induced Drinking?

Evaluating the effect of guanfacine on alcohol consumption. The investigators hypothesize that guanfacine versus placebo will decrease the amount of alcohol consumption (mls consumed) during the 2-hour self-administration period across two laboratory sessions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 21-65
• Able to read and write English
• Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) criteria for current (past 6 months) alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants with any significant current medical conditions, seizures, delirium or hallucinations, or other unstable medical conditions including HIV
• Current DSM-IV abuse or dependence on substances, other than alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, or nicotine dependence
• Women who are pregnant or nursing
• Suicidal, homicidal or evidence of current (past 6-month) mental illness
• Meet DSM-IV criteria for current (past-6 month) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Specific exclusions for administration of guanfacine not already specified include: EKG evidence at baseline screening of any clinically significant conduction abnormalities or arrhythmias; known intolerance for guanfacine or any alpha blocker; history of fainting, syncopal attacks, heart failure or myocardial infarction, or impaired liver as indicated by aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 3x normal or renal function (estimated creatinine clearance <60 cc/min); treatment with any antihypertensive drug or any alpha-adrenergic blocker; use of any central nervous system (CNS) depressant (e.g., phenothiazines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines)
• Subjects likely to exhibit clinically significant alcohol withdrawal during the study.
• Individuals who are seeking treatment for drinking