Before the drinking tests (described below), mice consumed 15% ethanol for at least 3 weeks. After this period, ethanol consumption was measured for at least 4 days to ensure stable consumption. Consumption was considered stable if the intake was similar on days 1–2 and 3–4 (mice that did not drink were removed from the study). For the 24-hour two-bottle choice test, ethanol intake was then measured after saline administration for 2 days (denoted as day 2 in all graphs), and mice were grouped to provide similar levels of ethanol intake and preference based on the first 6 hours of consumption during these 2 days. Ethanol and total fluid intake are presented as g/kg/6 hours; measurements made after the next 18 hours are presented as percent of corresponding control. In the drinking in the dark test, mice were grouped to provide similar levels of ethanol intake and preference based on 3 hours of consumption during the first 2 days of saline injections (denoted as day 2 in all graphs). Ethanol and total fluid intake are presented as g/kg/3 hours. From day
