Abstract
Background
Acute alcohol intoxication accounts for a large proportion of potentially unnecessary
emergency department visits and expenditure. Sobering centers are a cheaper alternative
treatment option for alcohol intoxication and can provide an opportunity to treat
the psychosocial aspects of alcohol use disorder.
Objective of the review
The objective of this review is to analyze the existing literature regarding the use
of sobering centers, EMS and their role in transporting to sobering centers, and the
appropriate triage of the intoxicated patient.
Discussion
Excessive alcohol consumption accounts for an estimated $24.6 billion in healthcare
costs and patients are often referred to the emergency department for expensive care.
Current literature suggests sobering centers are an alternative to acute hospitalization
and are safe, relatively inexpensive, and may facilitate more aggressive connection
to resources such as longitudinal rehabilitation programs for the acutely intoxicated
patient. EMS plays a pivotal role in triage and transportation of intoxicated individuals,
but demonstration of outcomes in lacking.
Conclusions
Sobering centers are a cost effective alternative to emergency department visits for
acute alcohol intoxication and further research is required to identify safe, effective
protocols for EMS to triage patients to appropriate treatment destinations.
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: November 17, 2020
Accepted:
November 14,
2020
Received:
October 22,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
