Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic alcohol-related disorder that typically presents as uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol. A key component of AUD research is using translationally relevant preclinical models. Over the past several decades, a variety of animal models have been used to study AUD.

Prior experience with flavored alcohol increases preference for flavored alcohol but flavor does not influence binge-like drinking behavior in mice.

Background: Binge drinking can lead to various negative consequences and in non-experimental settings, alcohol usually contains flavoring, which may promote increased binge drinking. Preclinical models of binge-like drinking have been well established, however, the influence of flavor on alcohol preference and binge-like drinking has not been fully explored.

Methods: Male and female C57BL/6 J mice were tested via two-bottle choice with alcohol flavored with different concentrations of unsweetened Cherry flavor Kool-Aid and water.