[Intragastric self-administration of ethanol solutions by rats after chronic ethanol consumption]

1. Rats rendered physically dependent on alcohol by the forced consumption of a liquid diet containing ethanol were subsequently placed in an intragastric self-administration situation. 2. Under these conditions, the intoxicated rats maintained the same high level of ethanol consumption as observed during the previous forced ingestion procedure. However this response is transitory and disappears following the presentation of a dilute ethanol solution. 3. Significantly different results were provided by the control animals. 4. Conditions for establishing a higher oral preference in rats rendered physically dependent are examined and discussed.