Failure of signs of physical dependence to develop in hamsters after prolonged consumption of large doses of ethanol.

Male Golden Hamsters drank large amounts of ethanol with food and water freely available, when ethanol was presented in water at concentrations of 10-40% (w/v). Although the hamsters consumed an average of 13.8 g/kg/day of ethanol for 3 months, no withdrawal signs were observed during 4 days without ethanol, nor were withdrawal signs observed during withdrawal after 4 more months of ethanol consumption. Although the Golden Hamster consumes large amounts of ethanol without the need for food or water deprivation, the Golden Hamsters may have limited usefulness as a model of physical dependence.