We have assessed sex-differences in voluntary ethanol consumption during adolescence and adulthood and the influence of binge ethanol exposure during adolescence. We have demonstrated that males are sensitive to passive social influences that mediate voluntary ethanol consumption and that early ethanol exposure induces long-term changes in responsivity to ethanol in adulthood. Neurochemically, we have demonstrated exposure to moderate doses of ethanol during adolescence produced alterations in DA during adolescence and later in adulthood. All of these data indicate the adolescent brain is sensitive to the impact of early ethanol exposure during this critical developmental period. It is important to note that these effects may be limited by the age of ethanol exposure and dose administered. Therefore, it is important to assess if these effects observed in our work are specific to exposure during adolescence or if similar effects would be observed if exposure was initiated in adulthood.
