THE EXPECTED AND CONTROVERSIAL EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT ON ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Alcohol is one of the most commonly consumed psychoactive substances and its abuse may lead to numerous consequences. Several factors may influence alcohol consumption patterns, including the environment. Experimental studies with rodents have shown that Environmental Enrichment (EE) can alter the consumption of various drugs. Although EE is constantly reported as a protective factor against harmful alcohol consumption, some studies indicate that enriched environments may increase alcohol consumption. The biological mechanisms underlying the interaction between EE and alcohol consumption remain unknown.