Delirium tremens, sometimes referred to as DTs (also known as alcohol withdrawal delirium (AWD) is a serious form of alcohol withdrawal. It typically begins two to three days after someone dependent on alcohol has completed an extensive drinking spree. Drug Rehab Center in Los Angeles provides the best services in this kind of treatment.
DTs typically last for 2 to 3 days, however, the symptoms may last for up to an entire week.
About 5% of people affected by alcohol withdrawal suffer DTs. If not treated, delirium-tremens could cause strokes or heart attacks. It may also result in death.
The Motivations
Delirium tremens may occur after you have stopped drinking alcohol following a prolonged period of heavy drinking. This is especially when you don’t eat enough.
Delirium tremens could be caused by head injuries or infections in people with a history of alcohol that has been characterized by high consumption.
It is common for those who have an alcohol dependence history. It is most common among those who drink 4 5 to five pints (1.8 up to 2.4 Liters) of wine or between 7 and 8 pints (3.3 to 3.8 Liters) of beer or 1 pint (1/2 1 Liter) in “hard” alcohol daily throughout the entire day for months. Delirium tremens can also be a common occurrence for people who have consumed alcohol for more than 10 years.
The symptoms
The symptoms typically show up within 48-96 hours after having had the last drink. However, they could appear within 7-10 days of drinking.
The symptoms can get worse. The symptoms could be extreme and include:
- Agitation, irritability
- The body shakes
- Mental function shifts
- Deep sleep can last for a few hours or longer
- Delirium is an abrupt and extreme confusion
- Fear or excitement
- Hallucinations (seeing or sensing things that aren’t real)
- Energy bursts
- Quick mood changes
- Reluctance
- Sensitivity to sound, light, or contact
- Tiredness, sleepiness, and stupor
Delirium Tremens Treatment
The treatment for Delirium tremens starts at the hospital. Benzodiazepines are among the most prescribed medications to treat withdrawal from alcohol and DTs. They are able to relax your overly excited nervous system. There is a possibility that you’ll need intravenous fluids with vitamins and minerals to aid in treating dehydration or restore your electrolytes to equilibrium.
You may be required to stay at the medical center for as long as one week to maintain your health. Following that, you must get treatment for your addiction to alcohol. The government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) has an online treatment facility locator at findtreatment.samhsa.gov. Cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) as well as recovery support organizations could aid you in your efforts to stay sober and continue moving forward.
Questions and Tests
Delirium tremens is a medical emergency.
The doctor will conduct a physical exam. The symptoms may include:
- Heavy sweating
- The startle reflex is increased
- Heartbeat irregularity
- Eye muscle problems
- Heart rate is rapid
- The muscle is trembling rapidly.
- The following tests are able to be conducted:
- Blood magnesium level
- Blood phosphate levels
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Testing for toxicology.
How To Stop Delirium Tremens
To prevent developing delirium tremens the patient must seek medical attention as soon as they decide that they are in a position to stop drinking. Registering yourself with a reputable medical detox facility will assist in ensuring that the assistance of a trained team can assist you in helping to prevent DT or helping you deal with withdrawal-related symptoms. If your body has removed alcohol from your system and you’re experiencing withdrawal, the best option is to visit a Rehabilitation Center facility to get expert assistance in this matter. In general, withdrawal from alcohol and delirium-tremens particularly can be an issue that is serious and may even be life-threatening in certain situations. If you or someone around suffers from issues caused due to addiction or drinking, There are addiction treatment centers with professional expertise that can assist you in overcoming these problems. Hope House Hope House is one addiction rehabilitation facility located in Scottsdale that is committed to helping addicts overcome addiction and to commit long-term healing. If you’d like to know more about how Hope House may be able to help you, please contact our addiction experts by giving us an immediate phone call.
It’s vital to determine the root of addiction and drinking when recovering. People drink alcohol to cope with issues with their mental health, including depression, often referred to as a co-occurring illness.
Addiction and mental illness require dual diagnosis therapy for both illnesses to be effectively managed.
Finding treatment for an alcohol dependency disorder can be beneficial for those who are trying to quit drinking but for those suffering from delirium tremens disorder, it might be a necessity.
The safest and most healthy option is to begin rehab programs prior to the time that addiction or dependence to alcohol is at a point where DTs start to become problematic.