- Alcohol use is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the US with huge social, economic, and healthcare impacts.
- Alcohol Intoxication is a DIAGNOSIS OF EXCLUSION! Always consider other causes of altered mental status and address immediate life threats.
- Most patients can be managed with supportive care and reassessment. IV fluids and vitamin repletion are largely unnecessary and are not supported by current literature.
- Be wary of Wernicke’s, Withdrawal, and Ketosis in chronic alcoholic patients.
- The ED is often the only place where alcoholics seek care, we should give patients all the opportunities and guidance our facility can offer to seek help once discharged.