Lithium effects on adjunctive alcohol consumption in rats.

Rats receiving chronic administration of lithium chloride (20 mEq/l) in their drinking water were tested for acquisition of adjunctive alcohol (10% v/v) consumption. Contrary to expectations, subjects receiving lithium acquired the adjunctive drinking more rapidly, and under less optimal conditions, than did control subjects. The high death rate in subjects receiving lithium while undergoing a concurrent alcohol withdrawal suggests that particular caution must be observed when lithium is used in the treatment of alcoholics.