Prolonged ethanol administration prevents the development of tolerance to morphine-induced respiratory depression

BACKGROUND: Opioid users regularly consume other drugs such as alcohol (ethanol). Acute administration of ethanol can rapidly reverse tolerance to morphine-induced respiratory depression. However, alcohol consumption by opioid users is likely to occur over prolonged time periods. We have therefore sought to determine the effect of prolonged alcohol consumption on the development of tolerance to opioid respiratory depression. METHODS: Mice were …