The role of physical dependence in animal models of human alcoholism

This paper critically examines the concept that physical dependence is a necessary attribute for animal models of human alcoholism. On the basis of a review of the literature, it is argued that, since the production of physical dependence requires the presence of continuous high blood-alcohol levels, and since the production of preference for alcohol requires intermittent presentation of alcohol, the two cannot, in principle, be established in the same organism at the same time. It is further argued that physical dependence does not play a role in the development of high alcohol intake in animals. The implications of these observations for human alcoholism are discussed.