1. Frequency of drinking.
The frequency of drinking can vary greatly from person to person, with some people only drinking occasionally or on special occasions and others engaging in frequent alcohol consumption. It is important to pay attention to how often a person drinks and how many drinks they consume each time, as this can indicate whether the individual has a problem with alcohol.
2. Type of drinks.
The type of alcoholic beverage consumed will vary depending on the individual’s preferences, but it is important to note that different types of drinks can have different effects and levels of intoxication. For example, hard liquor contains higher concentrations of alcohol than beer or wine and thus can produce a stronger effect. It is also important to be aware if the person tends to switch between different drinks during their drinking session as this could indicate an issue with moderation.
3. Amount consumed.
It is important to track how much the individual drinks each time they consume alcohol in order to gauge whether their consumption habits are within the recommended limits for safe drinking (i.e 1-2 standard drinks per day). Additionally, by tracking the amount of alcohol consumed each time, it may be possible to identify patterns of over-consumption or binge drinking.
4. Timing of drinks.
It is also important to pay attention to when the person drinks and how long their drinking session lasts for. This is because different times of day can have different effects on a person’s body and brain chemistry and thus can lead to greater intoxication if drinking occurs during vulnerable periods such as morning or late at night. It is also important to note that longer drinking sessions may indicate deeper issues with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
5. Length of drinking session.
The length of a drinking session can vary greatly depending on the individual and the type of drinks consumed. It is important to note how long a person tends to drink for, as longer drinking sessions can indicate that there may be a deeper issue with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
6. Reasons for drinking.
It is also important to consider why an individual might be drinking in order to better understand their motivations and triggers for consuming alcohol. This could include factors such as stress, boredom, or peer pressure which could indicate unhealthy coping mechanisms related to alcohol consumption.
7. Mood before and after drinking.
The mood of an individual prior to and after consuming alcohol can provide insight into the potential effects of their drinking behavior on their overall well-being. For example, if the individual experiences elevated levels of anxiety or depression after drinking, this could indicate that they are more likely to develop an AUD.
8. Effects on relationships with family or friends.
Alcohol consumption can have a serious impact on relationships, particularly when it is done in excess. It is important to consider how the individual’s drinking habits may be affecting their interactions with family and friends and if any negative patterns of behavior have emerged as a result of their alcohol use.
9. Effects on work, school and other activities.
It is also important to note how alcohol consumption might be impacting the individual’s day-to-day activities such as work or school. This could manifest as absenteeism, decreased performance, or difficulties completing tasks which can all be indicative of an AUD.
10. Signs of physical dependency (tolerance, craving, withdrawal).
Finally, it is important to be aware of potential signs of physical dependence related to alcohol such as tolerance (needing more and more alcohol to feel the same effect) cravings (intense urges for alcohol), or withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. These can all indicate an issue with substance misuse and should be taken seriously.