To conduct a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled outpatient clinical trial of
acamprosate in individuals with alcohol dependence and bipolar disorder who are also
receiving mood stabilizing medication. The study will assess the safety and efficacy of
acamprosate in alcohol-dependent bipolar patients as measured by its effects on alcohol use
and mood symptoms relative to placebo.
The primary hypothesis to be tested is whether individuals with comorbid bipolar disorder and
alcohol dependence who receive acamprosate plus mood stabilizer will have greater improvement
in alcohol-related outcomes than those who receive mood stabilizer alone. A secondary
hypothesis that will be explored is that alcohol-dependent bipolar individuals treated with
acamprosate will have greater mood stability as compared to those treated with mood
stabilizers alone.