Medical clearance for randomization was provided by study physicians (AB, MK, and FS) and included an electrocardiogram, pregnancy test, complete blood count with differential, urinalysis, blood chemistry, and physical exam. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM IV (SCID)23 was conducted by study clinicians to establish diagnostic admission criteria. Study visits took place weekly throughout the 12-week double-blind phase, at Weeks 13 and 24 post-treatment, and included standardized assessments of alcohol use, craving, mood, sleep, and safety evaluations.
