Use of serotonin-active drugs in alcohol preference studies

Interest in finding a cure for alcoholism has sparked enthusiastic research into drugs that might accomplish this goal. Since decreases in brain serotonin had been shown to influence voluntary ethanol ingestion, numerous studies were conducted with the intent of establishing a basis on which a treatment for the alcoholic could be based. Along the path of discovery many inconsistencies have been encountered. After considerable research it became clear that the hope for an effective treatment resided not with impairment of but rather with enhancement of brain serotonergic function. One of the first effective therapeutic approaches has apparently emerged in the case of selective serotonin uptake inhibition. However, even with a wealth of information available, the mechanism by which an elevation of brain serotonergic function diminishes ethanol intake is unclear. The research conducted in this area has resulted not only in a potential therapeutic drug but also insight into the complexity of alcoholism as well. The intent of research reviewed here has been a better understanding of the role that brain serotonergic function may play in the regulation of ethanol ingestion.