Patients with Alcohol Problems in the Emergency Department, Part 2: Intervention and Referral

Abstract
Early intervention and appropriate referral of patients with alcohol problems have the potential to reduce alcohol‐related morbidity and mortality. Part 1 of this series introduced screening tools that can be applied in the ED to allow early detection of at‐risk drinkers. This article was developed by members of the SAEM Substance Abuse Task Force and describes assessment and intervention techniques once the at‐risk or dependent drinkers has been identified. Appropriate aftercare and referral of patients found to have alcohol problems are also discussed.