Tianeptine, whose main neurochemical action is to increase 5-HT uptake, significantly decreased alcohol consumption in rats. During a tianeptine long-term treatment study, gamma-GT levels in depressed alcoholic patients decreased, suggesting that this medication could be useful in alcoholism. The role of tianeptine in the prevention of alcoholic relapses is being evaluated in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Two hundred non-depressed patients satisfying DSM III-R criteria for Psychoactive Substance Dependence (alcohol – daily intake greater than 80 g) will enter the study after alcohol withdrawal. A minimum score of three on the Short-Mast Questionnaire, mean cell volume above 98 f1 and/or gamma-GT more than twice the upper normal value are required. Patients are treated as out-patients and surveyed for 9 months. The maintenance of abstinence is estimated through clinical and laboratory assessments. The alcohol intake is evaluated in patients who relapse. Efficacy is determined secondarily using Clinical Global Impressions Scale, Hopkins Symptom Check List and visual analogue scales. Somatic complaints are collected using AMDP-5. Preliminary results are presented.