Mechanistic Evaluation of Guanfacine on Drinking Behavior

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 21-65

2. Able to read and write English

3. Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-5 criteria for current (past 6 months)
alcohol use disorder (AUD)

4. Meets criteria for NIAAA defined risky drinking

5. Able to take oral medications and willing to adhere to medication regimen

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Participants with any significant current medical conditions

2. Women who are pregnant or nursing, or fail to use one of the following methods of
birth control unless she or her partner is surgically sterile or she is postmenopausal
(hormone contraceptives [oral, implant, injection, patch, or ring], contraceptive
sponge, double barrier [diaphragm or condom plus spermicide], or intrauterine device
[IUD])

3. Suicidal, homicidal or evidence of current (past 6 months) mental illness

4. Specific exclusions for administration of guanfacine not already specified

5. Subjects likely to exhibit clinically significant alcohol withdrawal during the study.