Induction of physical dependence of ethanol in rhesus monkeys using an oral acceptance technique

Symptoms of physical dependence such as extreme tremor and hyper-reflexia were observed in 3 female rhesus monkeys that had orally accepted doses of ethanol mixed with a totally liquid diet. These symptoms were associated with declines in blood ethanol levels following previously elevated concentrations and were manifest despite the use of a nutritionally adequate, high protein diet. In addition, ethanol elimination rates increased significantly during the ethanol administration period indicating the development of metabolic tolerance.