In the current study, our aim was to evaluate and investigate the influence of heavy alcohol intake on serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) concentrations. The selection of cytokines was based on their presumptive role in the pathophysiology of alcohol dependence. On admission to the Drug-Free Substance Addiction Detoxification clinic ("ATHENA"), blood samples were obtained from study participants, and serum cytokine concentrations were measured by using a commercial sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Alcohol dependence, as diagnosed according to DSM-IV [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.)] criteria for alcohol dependence and estimated by using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), was characterized by increased serum IL-6 concentration. Interleukin-8, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-alpha concentrations were comparable to those found in control subjects (P>.05). These results indicate that in alcohol-dependent individuals there is a significant increase in the serum IL-6 concentration (P <.05).