What does the Cognitive Lifetime Drinking History (CLDH) assess?

The Cognitive Lifetime Drinking History (CLDH) is designed to assess an individual's changes in drinking patterns over time, as well as the reasons behind those changes. It provides a comprehensive overview of how a person's drinking behavior has evolved throughout their life, reflecting on various influences such as social environments, life events, and personal choices. This method encourages individuals to consider not just how much they drank, but also why their habits may have shifted, offering insights that are crucial for understanding and addressing substance use disorders.

While factors like frequency of intoxication, alcohol consumption in social settings, and psychological effects may be relevant to someone’s drinking experience, they do not encompass the broader evaluation of changing patterns and motivations that the CLDH focuses on. Understanding these dynamic changes helps clinicians and counselors create tailored treatment plans that address the specific needs of individuals regarding their alcohol use.