Abstract

Mice were made physically dependent on alcohol by three days of continuous intoxication, produced by inhalation of alcohol vapor. An inhibitor of alcohol metabolism was used to stabilize blood alcohol levels. The severity of the ensuing withdrawal reaction was assessed quantitatively by scoring the intensity of convulsions elicited by lifting the mice. Several drugs suppressed the withdrawal reaction when it was already under way. Effective drugs included ethanol, barbiturates and benzodiazepines. No beneficial effect followed administration of phenothiazines or chlormethiazole. Unexpectedly, some mice died during the withdrawal phase after treatment with long-acting drugs (barbiturates and benzodiazepines) that effectively suppressed the convulsions.