Motivational properties of ethanol have been long considered an important factor in the modulation of ethanol acceptance patterns (Cunningham et al., 2000). If adolescent humans perceive the drug as more rewarding than adults do, they could be at enhanced risk for engaging in ethanol seeking and consumption and for progressing from drug use to abuse and dependence. Accordingly, Deas et al. (2000) found that appearance of the first symptoms of alcohol dependence in human adolescents requires only 7 months of regular drinking, whereas adults needed a much longer period (approximately, 3 years).
