| Assessing the relative reward value of cocaine and how it changes with repeated use represents a long-standing goal in addiction research. Surprisingly, recent experimental research in rats – the most frequently used animal model in the field – suggests that the reward value of cocaine may in fact be relatively weak at least in the majority of individuals. Here, we provide strong additional evidence that confirms and extends the validity and generality of this research. Specifically, we demonstrate that no matter how heavy is past cocaine self-administration, most rats value cocaine poorly and readily decide to quit when offered the opportunity of making a different choice (i.e., drinking water sweetened with saccharin, an otherwise... |
