Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for alcohol use problems. Some people lose control of their drinking. They drink more than they mean to. Or they need more and more alcohol to get the same effects. Some people have symptoms if they cut down on drinking or stop drinking completely.
Problems with alcohol are common, but there are treatments that can help.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Set up an appointment with a counselor or therapist to get help with your drinking.
●Go to a group program to help people stop drinking, like Alcoholics Anonymous ("AA"). Or seek help from a counselor. Talking to others can help you figure out better ways to handle stress or other problems you are having.
●Try to manage your drinking and lower your risk of problems:
•You might choose to stop drinking alcohol completely. If you drink often, check with your doctor before you stop completely. Stopping or cutting back suddenly can be harmful for people who are used to drinking a lot. This is called "alcohol withdrawal."
•If you do drink:
-Limit how much you drink, or alternate your drinks with a glass of water or other non-alcoholic drink.
-Do not drink on an empty stomach. Food can help your body absorb alcohol more slowly.
-Do not drive if you have been drinking.
●Ask a friend you are comfortable with to help you stay responsible and not drink.
●Keep a drink journal. Write down how much you drink, where you were, and things that might have triggered you to drink. This can help you learn more about your drinking patterns and make changes.
●Make some changes in your daily habits, and try a new routine:
•Avoid places, people, and situations that bring up thoughts of drinking.
•Spend time with people who are not drinking alcohol. It can help to be with people who support your recovery and give you comfort, encouragement, and guidance.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you or someone else:
•Have been drinking and have symptoms of alcohol poisoning, like:
-Vomiting a lot
-Slow breathing (fewer than 8 breaths in 1 minute)
-Irregular breathing
-Stops breathing, or pauses between breaths for longer than 10 seconds
-Skin that looks blue or pale, or feels cool to the touch
-Cannot wake up
-Cannot stand, or falls over and over again
-Seizures
•Have symptoms of delirium tremens ("DTs"). This is a serious form of alcohol withdrawal. Symptoms include:
-Confusion about where they are or who they are
-Anxiety
-Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, or tasting things that are not there)
-Uncontrollable shaking
-Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills
-Sweating
-A very fast heartbeat
●Return to the ED if:
•You have milder symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, like trouble sleeping, a headache, or nausea.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Are having trouble drinking less
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Alcohol use – When is drinking a problem? (The Basics)
Patient education: Alcohol withdrawal (The Basics)
Patient education: Alcohol poisoning (The Basics)
Patient education: Alcohol and your health (The Basics)
Patient education: Alcohol and drug use in pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Substance use disorder (The Basics)
Patient education: Alcohol use — when is drinking a problem? (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Risks and benefits of alcohol (Beyond the Basics)
