Ethanol exposure during either adolescence or adulthood alters the rewarding effects of cocaine in adult rats

► Adolescent alcohol use often precedes the use of other drugs later in life. ► This study examined how early ethanol exposure alters cocaine reward in adult rats. ► A history of alcohol exposure sensitized the rewarding effects of cocaine. ► This effect occurred following alcohol exposure during both adolescence and adulthood. ► Exposure to alcohol may enhance the abuse liability of cocaine.