Pitfalls

Failing to question patients about alcohol intake when they present to the ED
Not acting on abnormal blood results on asymptomatic patients
Failing to refer patients to alcohol support services or a GI specialist when appropriate
Failing to give thiamine to a patient suspected of alcoholism
Not recognising more serious aspects such as development of Wernicke’s encephalopathy or pathology secondary to alcohol related injuries, such as a subdural haematoma.