[Intoxicated patient at the emergency department and referral to treatment].

An unconscious or delirious and aggressive, intoxicated emergency room patient causes frustration, fear and loathing among the treatment staff. An erroneous diagnosis and incorrect treatment may lead to patient's death or violent behavior. A clinical picture resembling psychosis or delirium can be caused by stimulant overdosage or beginning alcoholic delirium. Inconsciousness may be caused by alcohol, benzodiazepine or opiate intoxication. Of these, a specific antidote is available for the latter two. Correct information will decrease the anxiety, calm down the emergency situation and may save the patient's life.