Gabapentin for Alcohol Relapse Prevention

Gabapentin for Relapse Prevention: Alcohol Withdrawal Effects

This treatment study is a 16-weeks outpatient clinical trial where subjects with alcohol dependence will get medication, which might help them to reduce or stop their drinking, or a placebo ( placebo is a capsule that looks the same as the investigational drug, but has no real medication. It is a "sugar pill").

This treatment study is a 16-weeks outpatient clinical trial where subjects will get medication, which might help them to reduce or stop their drinking or a placebo ( placebo is a capsule that looks the same as the investigational drug, but has no real medication. It is a "sugar pill"). This study will recruit and randomize subjects who have expressed an interest in receiving treatment for alcohol dependence. Upon enrollment into this study there will be 11 outpatient visits. Each visit will last about 1-1.5 hours.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Meets criteria for alcohol use disorder based on DSM-5 criteria
2. Meets criteria for history of alcohol withdrawal based on DSM-5 criteria
3. Able to maintain abstinence for a minimum of 3 days prior to randomization as verified by self report, urine ETG, and breathalyzer.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Significant psychiatric or medical illness
2. No other substance abuse
3. Taking other medications known to treat alcohol use disorder
4. Unstable living arrangements
5. Significant legal problems pending