Studies at the National Institute of Health indicate that patterns and tendencies of alcohol consumption among monkeys closely reflect those of humans. Individuals vary in their choice of alcohol type and in amount consumed. With regularity and predictability, some monkeys don't drink, some monkeys drink a little, some drink to get drunk, and some drink until they pass out. Isolated monkeys drink more than grouped monkeys. Subordinate monkeys drink more than dominant monkeys. Interestingly, consumption among monkeys increases after stressful periods, such as after a strenuous 8-5 day of various other testing activities. Also interesting, there were no reports of monkeys virtually drinking themselves to death, though this occurs in humans.

These results support the opinion that cocaine is more dangerous than alcohol, as monkeys, as well as other animals including some humans, will self-administer cocaine until death.