Oxytocin and the mechanisms of alcohol dependenceSummary One of the crucial purposes of treating alcohol-dependent patients is to enhance their ability to stay abstinent after detoxification therapy. Anxiety and stress vulnerability are the main factors provoking alcohol craving and relapse. In the first months of abstinence, alcohol-dependent patients frequently show sleep disturbances, irritability and depression, indicating chronic activation of stress pathways. In addition, the loss of confidence in interpersonal interactions results in social withdrawal and reduced willingness to participate in therapeutic programs. Current research shows that the peptide hormone oxytocin exerts substantial anxiolytic effects and facilitates prosocial behavior. Oxytocin can be safely ap-K