Further study of induced behavioral dependence on ethanol in rats.

This study extends previous work from our laboratory on the induction of a high consumption of alcohol in rats, following a chronic treatment by high doses of ethanol. Thirty-three rats exhibited voluntary consumption of ethanol averaging 11 g/kg/24 hr after the chronic treatment. Twenty-two controls submitted to the same procedure of testing drunk 6 g/kg/24 hr. The results are interpreted as a basis for discussing the possible mechanisms involved in alcohol addiction.