The levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (MOPEG), the major noradrenaline metabolite in the central nervous system, were analyzed in lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and urine from 74 male alcohol addicts during acute withdrawal and after 1 week of abstinence. The values obtained were compared to those of 21 healthy male volunteers. Clinical conditions were rated on the sampling days. Concentrations of MOPEG were elevated during early withdrawal and the levels decreased during detoxication. This pattern was found in both the CSF and urine, irrespective of type of drug treatment during withdrawal. The clinical symptoms improved during withdrawal and, in the beginning, there were significant positive correlations between MOPEG levels in the CSF and sleeping problems, tremors, restlessness, visual hallucinations, and elevated muscle tension. Changes in MOPEG levels correlated to changes of mood. A significant correlation was also found between low MOPEG level and craving for alcohol. Few correlations were found between MOPEG levels in the urine and clinical symptoms. The results indicate an elevated noradrenergic transmitter turnover rate in the early phase of alcohol withdrawal and a connection between noradrenaline metabolism and several clinical conditions during alcohol withdrawal.

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