Alcohol history

Question 1

Structure of alcohol history

Answer 1

Introduce

CAGE

Details of alcohol intake:

• When did it start?
• How has it changed?
• Current drinking pattern - how many days a weeks and what time of day?
• Quantity and type of alcohol?

IMPACT OF ALCOHOL:

• Biological signs of dependence - sweating, vomiting, tremor
• Do they need increasing amounts of alcohol for the same effects (tolerance)?
• Ever been admitted to hospital with alcohol? Any injuries due to alcohol?
• Psychological signs of withdrawal - agitation, anxiety, compulsion

EFFECTS ON DAILY LIVING:

• Work
• Relationships
• Diet
• Any involvement with the police due to alcohol?

PSYCH HISTORY:

• Do you feel like low mood? (may also be worth asking other core depression symptoms)
• Do you have feelings of anxiety?
• Would you say you use alcohol as a coping mechanism at all?
• ASSESS RISK

THEN THE REST OF THE HISTORY