Describe the role of the serotonergic system in alcohol dependence.

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  • Increasing serotonin by intraventricular injection, precursor loading, serotonin releasers, and serotonin uptake inhibitors decreases alcohol intake. Serotonin 3 receptor antagonists block alcohol-stimulated release of dopamine in the mesolimbic dopamine system. The serotonin 3-receptor antagonist ondansetron has shown efficacy in the treatment of individuals with early onset alcohol dependence.