The cardiovascular effects and plasma concentrations of a single dose of propranolol (80 mg) were studied non-invasively in alcohol-dependent subjects during alcohol withdrawal (AW) on day 1 and after resolution of withdrawal symptoms on day 10. At the onset of AW, propranolol caused a bradycardic effect which was significantly weakened on day 10. This might result from an increased bioavailability of propranolol on day 1 and from marked sympathetic activity. Propranolol also produced a negative inotropic effect, relatively weaker on day 1 than on day 10, being associated with increased β-receptor sensitivity towards the final phase of AW. These results suggest that peripheral and central β-adrenergic systems modulate the cardiovascular system in AW.