Diazepam maintenance of alcohol preference during alcohol withdrawal.

After forced intragastric intubation of alcohol, rats will show a greatly increased tendency to self-administer alcohol in a free-choice situation. Diazepam (Valium) dosage (5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight) during the period ow withdrawal serves to maintain undiminished such alcohol self-administration. Without such diazepam dosage the tendency to self-administer alcohol returns to control levels.