Oxytocin and Alcohol Withdrawal and Dependence

Acute and Long-term Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin in Alcohol Withdrawal and Dependence: A Prospective Randomized Parallel Group Placebo-controlled Trial

This study evaluates the effect of oxytocin nasal spray on alcohol withdrawal and dependence in adults admitted for detoxification of alcohol, and during the following 4 weeks in an outpatient setting. Half of the participants will receive oxytocin nasal spray, the other half placebo nasal spray.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. At least one prior episode 2 days or longer in duration during which the subject experienced withdrawal symptoms that caused significant incapacitation (e.g., inability to work or do normal activities) OR at least one prior inpatient or outpatient medical detoxification during which the subject exhibited withdrawal symptoms of sufficient magnitude that sedative-hypnotic or anticonvulsant medication was required at least once on 2 consecutive days after cessation of or reduction in the use of alcohol following 2 weeks or more of heavy daily consumption
2. average consumption of 8-30 standard drinks per day for at least 2 weeks prior to enrollment in the study;
3. consenting to participate in the study;
4. have residency in Trøndelag County after discharge

Exclusion Criteria:

1. chronic treatment with sedative-hypnotic medications such as benzodiazepines or z-hypnotics;
2. dependence on substances other than alcohol, nicotine or caffeine;
3. inadequately treated, unstable and/or compromising medical or psychiatric conditions;
4. low body weight (BMI < 17) or history of anorexia nervosa or bulimia in the past 2 years;
5. pregnancy; parturition or breast-feeding in the past 6 months;
6. inability to read well enough to complete study questionnaires determined by whether the prospective subject can read the consent form without help and correctly answer basic questions about information in the consent form;
7. no alcohol in the blood and > 15 h since last intake of alcohol;
8. prior inclusion and participation in the same study.