Alcohol and Gender Effects on Stress Circuit Function

Inclusion Criteria: Able to provide written consent. Are actively engaged in a recovery program for alcoholism; Have a current (within the past 12 months) diagnosis of DSM-IV alcohol dependence in early- (modified to a minimum of 4 months) full remission; and Are residing in a controlled sober living environment; and Agree to provide at least one collateral informant who knows the subject well and can attest to their sobriety (recovering alcoholics only). Exclusion Criteria: Have evidence of any clinically significant laboratory evidence of hematologic, hepatic, cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, thyroid or other endocrine disease; Are taking oral contraceptives or other hormonal replacements (e.g., estrogen or progesterone); Are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant during the next 9 months; Have taken other psychotropic drugs (including SSRIs, MAO inhibitors and other antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics or hypnotics) within 6 weeks of the first laboratory session; Have taken any investigational drug within 90 days of the first laboratory session; or Are making efforts to quit smoking or have taken any pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation (i.e., bupropion, nicotine-replacement patches or gum; clonidine, buspirone) within 90 days of the first laboratory session.