Ethanol dependence produced in rats by nutritionally complete diets.

Nutritionally complete diets formulated according to American Institute of Nutrition guidelines were used to make rats dependent upon ethanol. When intubated with a diet-ethanol solution for four days maintained initial body weight. When forced to consume the solution as the sole source of nutrients and water for nineteen days, rats gained weight. All animals developed severe withdrawal signs as measured by the intensity of tremors and spastic rigidity. The diet ingredients did not alter the absorption of the ethanol. The results demonstrate that physical dependence on ethanol can be induced in the rat without nutritional impairment.