Acamprosate in Alcoholics With Comorbid Anxiety or Depression

Participants who meet all inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria will be randomized to receive either acamprosate or placebo in a 1:1 ratio. Participants will be instructed to take (2) 333 mg tablets three times a day. Participants will be seen weekly for 12 weeks an again 14 weeks from randomization. At each weekly visit, participants will be asked about substance use and possible adverse events. They will also have their vital signs and weight measured at each visit. Psychiatric assessments, including the MADRS,HAM-A, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale will be performed at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12. Alcohol craving will be assessed using the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale at baseline and monthly. A urine drug screen will also be performed monthly. A clinical global impressions scale will be completed for both psychiatric and alcohol abuse symptoms at every visit. A breath alcohol test will be performed at every visit, and a urine drug screen will be performed at baseline and monthly during the trial.