Alcoholism and alcohol abuse do not discriminate by gender, race or nationality. In the United States, approximately one in every 12 adults (more than 17 million people) abuse alcohol.

Alcoholism is a chronic disease where there is a continued use of alcohol despite negative social and health consequences. Alcoholics risk employment and relationships to satisfy this need.

Symptoms of alcoholism, include:

• A strong craving to drink
• Not being able to stop drinking once an individual starts
• Nausea, sweating, anxiety and tremors when an individual stops drinking
• A need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to obtain the desired affect
• Inability to meet day-to-day responsibilites
• Automobile accidents, drunk-driving arrests and underestimating effects of impairment while driving
• Alcohol-related illness, including cirrhosis of the liver
• Continued alcohol consumption due to pregnancy or while taking medication despite warning

Drs. Jeffery Wilkins and Mark Hrymoc and their research staff are conducting a double-blinded randomized, placebo controlled research study through the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai, investigating a new medication regimen to help maintain sobriety. Qualified participants may receive up to $470 for participation in the 16-week study.

The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness and safety of medications used in a new treatment regimen. Cedars-Sinai hopes these findings will lead to better treatments for alcohol dependency and abuse.

Participation is open to anyone who is:

• Finding it difficult to control their alcohol consumption
• Wants to stop drinking
• Over age 18
• Willing to participate in a 16-week randomized study

• Receive medical treatment that may include study medications or a placebo
• Attend 16 weekly follow-up sessions with research staff
• Answer questions related to drinking behaviors
• Provide blood and urine samples