14th June 2021

A 52-year-old man attends A&E. He is agitated and looks unwell

A 52-year-old man attends A&E. He is agitated and looks unwell. He tells you that he “needs to stop drinking” and “went cold turkey” yesterday – since which he has developed symptoms such as tremor, anxiety, chest pain, and nausea, and “feels terrible”. He usually drinks around two bottles of whiskey a day (approximately 50 units). He tried quitting alcohol last year and was admitted to hospital having had a seizure. He drinks every day despite it not making him feel drunk anymore and tells you that “his entire life is drinking”. He knows he needs to stop drinking but cannot help himself and is desperate for a drink now – saying that he will go and buy a bottle of whiskey if he is not admitted to hospital for some help.

Which of the following are NOT indications for admission to hospital for assisted alcohol withdrawal.

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.