Patients with alcohol problems in the emergency department, Part 2: Intervention and referral

Early intervention and appropriate referral of patients with alcohol proble ms have the potential to reduce alcohol-related morbidity and mortality. Pa rt 1 of this series introduced screening tools that can be applied in the E D 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 a lcohol problems are also discussed.