Management in the Emergency Department

The essential component of management in the ED includes recognising problem drinkers by including alcohol history in all assessments, especially in alcohol related injuries and suspected ALD.

A brief 10 minute opportunistic advice conversation with those found to have hazardous drinking (≥5 units per day for men or ≥3 units per day for women) has been found to be beneficial in raising awareness and reducing alcohol intake before it becomes harmful. [9-10].

Learning Bite

Brief interventions in the ED are effective in reducing alcohol intake.