Animal models of alcohol use disorder and the brain: From casual drinking to dependence.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronically relapsing disorder, characterized by a shift from casual to compulsive intake of alcohol that is driven by changes in multiple regions throughout the brain. Animal models, long recognized for their utility in elucidating the biological underpinnings of human diseases, have enabled key advances in our understanding of the risk, development, and treatment of AUD. Here, we provide an overview of animal models used in the study of AUD, including both voluntary consumption and forced exposure models that reflect the range from casual drinking to alcohol dependence. We also review recent updates in the neurobiology across stages of AUD using these models, which have elucidated the profound changes in cellular physiology and molecular markers in key brain regions that are involved in regulation of reward seeking and emotions. Currently available pharmacotherapies as well as emerging treatments informed by the animal literature are also detailed. What is the significance of this article for the general public?—Alcohol use disorder is one of the costliest public health issues in the United States. This article reviews the preclinical animal models of alcohol exposure that have critically furthered our understanding on the neurobiology of AUD and identified potential pharmacotherapies for the disorder.