Alcohol-Consumption Animal Models in Neurological Disease Research: A Review of Development, Current Status, and Prospects

Alcohol is among the most widely consumed psychoactive substances and is associated with a variety of human diseases. In particular, alcohol use disorder contributes to multiple forms of neurological impairment, such as addiction, dependence, dementia, anxiety, depression, hyperalgesia, and motor disorders. To better understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this neurological dysfunction, reliable and suitable animal models must be established for investigating the toxic and behavioral effects of alcohol. This review first examines the various factors influencing the development of animal models of alcohol consumption, with a focus on biological sex, animal strains, and consumption patterns, which are key determinants of alcohol intake. We also provide a detailed overview of three commonly employed alcohol consumption models: voluntary drinking model, forced drinking model, and composite drinking model. The strengths, limitations, and main applications of these models in the study of neurological diseases are discussed. This systematic review offers a comprehensive overview of the critical factors and characteristics involved in the establishment of animal models of alcohol consumption. It provides valuable insights into their implications for clarifying the mechanisms of alcohol intoxication and for advancing basic research toward future clinical applications.