Effects of assessment frequency on subjective intoxication ratings after alcohol consumption

It is common for subjective intoxication measures to be administered frequently throughout an experimental session. It is unclear, however, whether repeated assessments affect the experience of intoxication. This study examined the effect of assessing subjective intoxication levels during alcohol consumption on subsequent perceptions of intoxication after drinking.

Forty-two participants consumed a moderate dose of alcohol (men, 82 g/kg; women, 0.74 g/kg) during a 30-min period. Participants either reported or did not report subjective intoxication levels at 10-min intervals during the drinking period. After the drink, all participants rated their level of subjective intoxication on several occasions.

Individuals who reported their intoxication during the drinking period reported higher levels after consumption than did those who did not rate their intoxication during drinking.

These data suggest the potential for reactivity effects when conducting repeated assessments of perceived subjective intoxication.