Calorie restriction inhibits relapse behaviour and preference for alcohol within a two-bottle free choice paradigm in the alcohol preferring (iP) rat

► CR induces anxiolytic effects in the alcohol preferring (iP) rat. ► The CR25% group displayed reduced intake of 10% ethanol in comparison to controls. ► Unlike that of controls, the CR25% group did not display an ADE. ► CR25% animals did not demonstrate a preference for 10% ethanol over water. ► CR25% may alter the hedonic impact of 10% ethanol in the alcohol-preferring rat.