The Scope of the Problem

Scope of the Problem Slides: HTML | Powerpoint (download)

THE MANY FACES OF ALCOHOL IN THE ED

The human cost of at risk and dependent drinking: almost 3 out of 10 American adults engage in high risk drinking 18 million persons (7% of U.S. adults) met criteria for alcohol disorders in 2002 107,000 deaths $185 billion cost per year an average of 7.6 million alcohol related ED visits per year MacDonald AJ, Wang N, Camargo CA. Arch Intern Med 2004;164:531-7,

Bus Stop Stabbing, John Valadez, 1984 (oil on canvas)

Alcohol related violence begins in our communities and is transported to the nation's emergency departments.

Older Woman, Found Down

This woman was found down in her apartment between the radiator and the couch after drinking herself into a coma. When she arrived in the ED, the staff first thought her burns were the result of elder abuse, but it was alcohol abuse that was at the root of the problem.

Homeless Male Drinker -- Nose Bit off in Bar Fight

EDs do an excellent job of treating injuries, but as the Healthy People 2010 agenda recognizes, it is just as important to diagnose the alcohol behind the health consequence, and refer patients like these for alcohol treatment.

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Alcohol is implicated in trauma, but it is also correlated closely with other health risks that affect an even wider circle of drinkers. For example, there is a direct relationship between the amount of alcohol consumed and the incidence of a variety of cancers. Screening and brief intervention in the ED offers an excellent opportunity to make major population gains in health promotion and prevention at the same time that we are providing good clinical care