Question

A 36-year-old woman with a history of heavy alcohol use presents to the emergency department intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of 38 mmol/L. She expresses shame but denies suicidality. According to Canadian substance use guidance, what is the most appropriate brief intervention in the ED?

Accepted Answer

Provide empathetic counselling, assess readiness to change and offer referral to addiction services and primary care

Answer

Tell her to stop drinking and discharge without further discussion

Answer

Admit her involuntarily for 30 days

Answer

Prescribe benzodiazepines for long-term use to prevent cravings

Answer

Ignore alcohol use as it is common socially

Practice question

A 36-year-old woman with a history of heavy alcohol use presents to the emergency department intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of 38 mmol/L. She expresses shame but denies suicidality. According to Canadian substance use guidance, what is the most appropriate brief intervention in the ED?