Alcohol Intoxication, Injuries, and Dangerous Behaviors – and the Revolving Emergency Department Door

Suicides, homicides, motor vehicle crashes, & other violent deaths & injuries are linked inextricably to alcoholism. This link is particularly obvious to Emergency Department (ED) physicians. This study determines the extent intoxicated patients in ED were properly diagnosed, counselled & referred for substance abuse care. It was found the patients received extensive medical care, but few were evaluated for dangerous behaviors or referred for treatment of alcoholism. (VM)