A Potentially Fatal Symptom
Delirium Tremens is a serious, potentially fatal alcohol withdrawal symptom. People dealing with alcoholism in their lives, whether it’s themselves or a loved one, may be familiar with alcohol poisoning or overdose. However, there is another dangerous episode that may occur as a result of alcohol use disorder. Here we answer the question: What is delirium tremens?
A habit of heavy drinking carries with it one aspect most don’t often think about: withdrawals. If you are a problem drinker, you experience withdrawals. These could be as mild as irritation. Or a craving for the next drink. They could be as heavy as shaking or nausea. But either way, you have withdrawals. It is a natural response that happens when our body has become dependent on alcohol for day-to-day activities.
If you or someone you love has an alcohol use disorder, these withdrawals get more extreme once the drinking has stopped. Alcohol withdrawals certainly are uncomfortable, but it must be said, they can also be dangerous. Even life-threatening.
How Do You Get Delirium Tremens
Delirium tremens is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal. It occurs after a prolonged period of heavy drinking. About half of the people with AUD will experience heavy withdrawal symptoms, while less than 5% of those people will show signs of delirium tremens.
Who Is at Risk of Delirium Tremens?
As said previously, DT is one of the most severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Typically, someone is in danger of this type of episode if they have been drinking heavily for multiple years. Though extremely heavy drinking over a shorter period of time could also harken DT.
Studies show, daily consumption of a pint of heavy alcohol a day puts you in danger. Comparatively, 7-8 pints of beer (less for higher ABV) or 4-5 pints of wine over a few months puts you in the category that is at higher risk of delirium tremens.
Delirium Tremens Symptoms
Symptoms of delirium tremens progress from earlier withdrawal symptoms and typically appear within three days of decreasing or stopping alcohol use. There are many potential symptoms of DT, which range in severity from uncomfortable to life-threatening.
Some of the less severe symptoms include:
- Irritability or aggression
- Excitement or fear
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and touch
- Fatigue
Many dangerous and potentially life-threatening symptoms can also occur, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Severe confusion (delirium)
- Auditory or visual hallucinations
Seizures are a significant problem for people dealing with DT. The most common type of seizure is a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. These intense seizures impact the whole body and can lead to loss of consciousness or hallucinations. Medical intervention is crucial if someone is experiencing seizures.
Stages of Delirium Tremens
Delirium tremens symptoms usually begin 2 to 4 days after the last drink and last for 3-4 days. The symptoms are typically resolved after 5 days but may last up to 7-10 days.
Stage 1: 8-24 hours after last drink
The first stage of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) is characterized by:
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Increased anxiety
- Auditory and visual hallucinations
Stage 2: 48-72 hours after last drink
The second stage of AWS is accompanied by moderate withdrawal symptoms:
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea
- Increased blood pressure
Stage 3: 2-4 days after last drink
Severe cases of alcohol withdrawal lead to delirium tremens or the third stage symptoms:
- Alcoholic seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Muscle contractions
Treatment for Delirium Tremens
If you are at risk of severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, it is strongly recommended that you seek medical attention before starting to detox from alcohol. The main goals of treating DT are to calm agitation and decrease the risk of seizures and death. Treatments for severe alcohol withdrawals include anticonvulsants to stop seizures, antipsychotic medications to prevent hallucinations, and intravenous fluids.
Alcohol withdrawal and delirium tremens can cause serious health problems. If you or a loved one is experiencing alcohol abuse or addiction, professional addiction treatment options are available to help you overcome alcoholism. Our admissions process for addiction treatment is straightforward and quick.
As well, our alcohol rehab for men is in the city of Austin. And our professional team of experienced clinicians and treatment professionals is ready to help you find the tools for sobriety and full recovery.
