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Warning-sign checks

Alcohol use disorder: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for:

    • A seizure, hallucinations, severe confusion, or extreme agitation during possible withdrawal
    • Inability to wake, slow or irregular breathing, repeated vomiting, or suspected alcohol poisoning
    • Vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, or sudden weakness
    • Thoughts of suicide, a suicide plan, or an immediate risk of self-harm

    If someone may have alcohol poisoning, do not leave them alone or assume they can “sleep it off.” Call local emergency services.

    In the United States, people in a suicidal crisis can call or text 988 for immediate support.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a healthcare professional promptly if withdrawal symptoms appear after reducing alcohol, especially worsening shaking, sweating, vomiting, agitation, or a racing heartbeat.

    Prompt advice is also appropriate for increasing alcohol use, new medication side effects, worsening mood, or difficulty staying safe.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Early follow-up may focus on withdrawal safety, cravings, medication effects, sleep, mood, and progress toward treatment goals.

    Later visits can review what is working and whether the treatment plan needs to change.

    Routine follow-up may include liver or kidney tests when clinically appropriate, medication monitoring, and screening for depression or anxiety.

    A clinician may also help connect the person with counseling, addiction specialists, or community resources.

The article also says

AUD often benefits from ongoing care rather than a single visit.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Alcohol use disorder. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.