You may not agree but rats are often chosen to be used in experiments because physiologically and behaviourally, they are quite similar to humans. They are social creatures like us, we both express complex behaviours and we share similar neurological pathways, which makes them especially good candidates to research addiction.
For many decades, our general perception of drug addiction has painted a depressing image: an illness of the brain caused by the allure of narcotics. But this idea was called into question in the late 1970s by a novel experiment involving rats and elaborate living spaces. Dubbed “Rat Park”, this intriguing study conducted by Dr Bruce Alexander changed our understanding of addiction.
Up to that point, addiction research mostly relied on studies where rats were kept in solitary, empty cages – very stressful environments for highly social and intelligent animals. Their main interaction in these cages was with levers that dispensed addictive drugs like morphine. There was little other stimulation provided to the animals. As expected, the rats in these experiments repeatedly pulled on the levers, as they gave in to the drug’s potency.
The idea that addiction was essentially a biological process that was not steered by environmental or social variables was reinforced by this cycle of seclusion and drug-seeking behaviour. “Addiction is caused by drugs” – this was the conclusion reached after multiple university research centres conducted repeated rat studies.
Rat Park: How enrichment and social connections can alleviate addiction
Dr Alexander sought to explore different conclusions by giving his rodents an entirely new environment in which to live. He created “Rat Park” – a large cage equipped with wheels, tunnels, challenging climbing areas and nice things to nibble and gnaw – something closer to their natural environment. He introduced numerous rats to the large space, facilitating normal social interactions. What he observed and recorded in this enriched environment provided a striking contrast to previous studies and the outcomes are remarkably interesting.
Rats in solitary cages consumed much more morphine in their isolated environments. Rat Park rodents, on the other hand, behaved very differently. Even rats who had consumed nothing but morphine-laced water prior to their introduction to Rat Park only showed interest in ‘normal’ water, despite having access to both this and the morphine mix they’d become ‘addicted’ to. The enrichment provided in their surroundings, opportunities for normal social interactions, and the resulting feeling of well-being appeared to provide a strong defence against addiction.
Interestingly, in the course of the Rat Park experiment, Dr Alexander introduced a drug called ‘naxalone’, which negates the effects of opioids, to the morphine water which was not being consumed, and the rats began to drink it! More proof of zoopharmacognosy? Absolutely! Their choices prove the rats’ innate ability to understand how to self-medicate.
The implications of the study
The biological aspect of addiction is not refuted by the rat park experiment. We know that certain substances have addictive qualities, but this experiment emphasised how important our surroundings and social networks are in shaping how we interact with harmful drugs.
A more nuanced approach is suggested by Dr Alexander, who said “We don’t imply that these findings somehow erase the pharmacological effects of opiates…Our rats consumed some morphine, but not nearly as much as the rats kept in the isolated condition.”
The Rat Park study highlights the complexity of addiction as a problem involving biological, psychological, environmental and social aspects and it shows us how important the context in which people use harmful drugs needs to be taken into account while analysing their addiction, rather than only concentrating on the drug itself.
The value of ethical animal research
Although revolutionary, the rat park experiment calls into question the morality of using animals in research. While we absolutely do not condone studies on animals and using them for research, we do acknowledge the important understandings gained from studies that were permitted in the past, and we are always keen to learn from the animal kingdom when this is possible and appropriate. In necessary modern research, it is crucial that the welfare of the animals always comes first, which thankfully makes conceptualising ethical studies much more difficult.
The fact that the rodents in the Rat Park study were given a considerably more enriching habitat than they would have in a typical laboratory cage is a redeeming factor. This change in living circumstances is a perfect example of how crucial it is to conduct research with consideration for the well-being of the animals. Keeping animals in isolation for experimental purposes totally jeopardises the most basic premise: that healthy control animals are actually healthy, and this erodes even further the potential relevance of these experiments to humans.
To us, this experiment offered insights that went far beyond studies on drug addiction. It highlights how important it is to provide all animals with surroundings that provide for their inherent needs, especially including enrichments that mimic natural conditions. Due to their obvious financial constraints and the enormous amount of resources it takes to keep numerous animals fed and sheltered, sanctuaries and welfare facilities often house captive animals in empty spaces, devoid of enrichment and with little opportunity for social interaction… and this is where CAEP steps in!
The goal of CAEP is to enhance the quality of life for South African captive animals. To support animal enrichment programmes that offer chances for social contact, physical and mental stimulation, and settings that closely resemble natural ecosystems, we collaborate with ethical sanctuaries and welfare facilities to bring a better quality of life for their animals.
The Rat Park experiment serves as a helpful reminder that sometimes the answers to challenging issues can be found in unlikely places. We learned more about addiction and the value of social interaction by observing rats in a more natural environment. Hopefully, this information will be used to create more comprehensive treatment programmes for people who are addicted, and it certainly strongly supports a more ethical approach to any kind of animal husbandry.
Enhancing the lives of animals kept in captivity massively improves their welfare. Richer settings tend to make animals happier, healthier, less anxious, and more likely to behave in natural ways. We bring enriching natural elements to animals living in captivity to improve their lives and surroundings, but this requires financial support and expertise. Please contact us today if you’d like to donate or get involved in our cause.
**CAEP does not in any way condone the use of animals in experiments, we simply relay the important points gained from these to shed light on how to improve our general care of all animals kept in any context**
