Neurocognitive and mood effects of alcohol in a naturalistic setting

Objective: The current pilot study aimed to assess the effects of drinking alcohol in a naturalistic setting on aspects of performance. Methods: Thirty individuals were approached and tested individually in a university campus bar. They provided details regarding alcoholic drinks consumption. Each was breathalysed before and after completion of a computerised test battery administered on a handheld device. The battery consisted of visual analogue mood scales, a series of alcohol-sensitive psychomotor and cognitive tests. Results: There were highly significant correlations between measured blood alcohol concentrations, estimated units of alcohol consumed and scores on a 'sober-drunk' VAS (p