Alcohol Intoxication

Clinical Description

Behavioral change with disinhibition, potentially agitated and aggressive behavior after recent ingestion of alcohol

Signs and Symptoms

• Argumentativeness
• Lability of mood
• Impaired attention and judgment, and interference with personal functioning
• Unsteady gait
• Difficulty standing
• Slurred speech
• Decreased conscious level
• Flushed face
• Conjunctival injection

Investigations

Blood or breath alcohol (if available)

Treatment

NON-PHARMACOLOGIAL

• Management is primarily supportive until the effects of the alcohol have worn off
• If very aggressive then follow treatment guidelines for Violence and Aggression management
• Admission

Note: Diazepam should be avoided due to increased risk of respiratory depression

Follow-up

• If underlying condition and behavioral disturbance cannot be managed at home or health facility
• Give advice about safe levels of alcohol intake and screen for alcohol use disorders (CAGE questionnaire) and provide alcohol brief interventions.