Inclusion Criteria:

• Current diagnosis of alcohol dependence.
• Provide a written informed consent.
• Must weigh within 30% of their ideal body weight.
• Patients must weigh at least 89 lbs. and no more than 342 lbs.
• Good physical health.
• Currently drinking 14 or more alcohol units per week for women and 21 or more alcohol units per week for men in the last 30 days.
• Provide evidence of stable residence in the last month prior to enrollment in the study.
• No plans to move in the nine months after entering the study.
• Literate in English and able to read, understand, and complete questionnaires and follow instructions.
• Willingness to participate in behavioral treatment for alcoholism.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current psychiatric disorder other than alcohol or nicotine dependence.
• Elevated liver enzymes or elevated bilirubin.
• Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms which require treatment.
• Serious medical co-morbidity requiring medical intervention or close supervision.
• Severe or life-threatening adverse reactions to medications in the past or during this trial.
• Female patients who are pregnant, lactating, or not adhering to an acceptable form of contraception at any time during the study.
• Received inpatient or outpatient treatment for alcohol dependence within the last 30 days.
• Compelled to participate in an alcohol treatment program for alcohol dependence to maintain their liberty.
• Members of the same household.
• Tuberculosis.
• Current treatment with any medications having a potential effect on alcohol consumption and related behaviors or mood.
• Urine must be free of opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, prescription and non-prescription drugs.
• Pyrexia of unknown origin.