Purpose: Test whether intranasal administration of the neuropeptide, oxytocin, is effective
in decreasing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, the number of bouts of withdrawal requiring
standard medication treatment (lorazepam) and the amount of lorazepam required to control
withdrawal bouts in individuals undergoing medical detoxification. Also, determine rates of
subject recruitment and retention in the inpatient setting.
Participants: 80 alcohol dependent patients, 18-65 years of age, admitted for medical
detoxification.
Procedures (methods): Subjects will be inpatients undergoing medical detoxification from
alcohol. Oxytocin or placebo will be administered in a nasal spray twice daily in a
randomized, double blind manner for three days. Withdrawal symptoms will be measured
routinely at q4 hours and prn for length of hospital stay. Lorazepam will be given whenever
withdrawal symptoms increase above specific parameters.