Objective To introduce an improved method for intubating the jugular vein and for jugular vein intubation surgery in rats and to apply this method to a rat self-administration experimental study to evaluate the service life and application effect of this intubation design. Methods Twenty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats who had completed food training were intubated with a modified cannula in the jugular vein. Self-administration models of propofol and cocaine were established, and elimination from the rats was analyzed at approximately 5 months postoperation. Results Both the propofol and cocaine self-administration models were successfully established. The main reasons for postoperational drug elimination were death of the rats, blocked tubes, and fluid leakage. In months 1-5 after surgery, the intubation-related elimination rates for each month were 7%, 7%, 10%, 31%, and 11%, respectively. With an acceptable monthly elimination rate of <10%, the service life of the intubation is expected to be at least 3 months, and some can be as long as 5 months or more. Rat deaths were related to severe liver and kidney damage, electrolyte disturbances and inflammation. Conclusions Improved intubation of rat jugular veins for drug self-administration has many advantages. The optimal service life of this intubation technique was up to 3 months, which meets the basic requirements of self-administration experiments. Therefore, this application effect is good and should be promoted.