Open Label Trial of Acamprosate in Bipolar Alcoholics

The purpose of this study is to determine whether acamprosate (Campral) is safe and effective in treating alcohol dependence in individuals with bipolar disorder. All subjects in the study must be currently stabilized on mood-stabilizing medication. Half of the subjects will receive acamprosate in addition to their mood-stabilizing medication; control subjects will be maintained on their mood-stabilizing medication alone. Measures of alcohol use as well as mood stability will be obtained weekly throughout the active phase of the study.