Animal models allow experimenters to control for differences in the subject’s (a) genetic background, (b) exposure to environmental factors, and (c) prior drug experience. Animal models of alcoholism have allowed the neurobehavioral, neurochemical and neurophysio-logical correlates associated with the behavioral, physiological and/or neurological states associated with alcohol abuse and dependence to be examined. Criteria for an animal model of alcoholism have been put forth that relate to the DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse and dependence. In addition, the familial incidence of alcoholism has been well established and a genetic influence on ethanol intake in rodents has been incorporated into bidirectional selective breeding programs for ethanol preference and alcohol consumption. As such, the translational value of selectively bred high alcohol-consuming rat lines is a real benefit over other models that use environmental manipulations (e.g., ethanol inhalation chambers, schedule-induced polydipsia, sucrose fading, etc.) to promote excessive alcohol intake.
