Alcohol and Gender Effects on Stress Circuit Function
Alcoholism, Stress, Alcohol Dependence
About this trial
This is an interventional basic science trial for Alcoholism focused on measuring Alcoholism, Stress, Gender Differences, Addiction, Alcohol Dependence
Eligibility Criteria
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.
Sites / Locations
- The Department of Veterans Affairs / Veterans Healthcare System of Ohio
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Placebo Comparator
Citalopram Group
Placebo Group
Subjects receive provocative tests with citalopram, dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone and placebo on 3 separate, counterbalanced occasions at monthly intervals.
Subjects receive provocative tests with citalopram, dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone and placebo on 3 separate, counterbalanced occasions at monthly intervals.