Alcohol relapse is a primary concern for individuals struggling with AUD (Edwards and Orford, 1977; Paredes et al., 2008). Currently, there are only three FDA-approved medications for the treatment of AUD: disulfiram, acamprosate and naltrexone (NTX) (Williams, 2005). Disulfiram (Antibuse®) acts by inhibiting the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase which results in a buildup of acetaldehyde during alcohol drinking which is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and headache that result in reduced medication compliance (National Center for Biotechnology Information, Disulfiram). Acamprosate (Campral®) has side effects including diarrhea, headache, and nausea which can also result in low medication compliance (Williams, 2005). Naltrexone (Trexan®, Rivia®, Vivitrol®) has fewer side effects than either disulfiram or acamprosate but it is not effective for all alcoholics (Krystal, et al., 2001). Identifying new medications for the treatment of AUD is needed and finding a medication that can prevent a return to heavy drinking during a lapse from alcohol abstinence is of particular importance since repeated relapses can prolong and strengthen withdrawal signs and symptoms which can put an individual at higher risk for subsequent relapse (Becker and Littleton 1996; Booth and Blow, 1993; Koob, 2011).
