When an individual consumes alcohol heavily, and stops, some major side effects may occur. This is a major indicator that someone may have a drinking problem and should seek alcoholism help.
What are “Delirium tremens”?
The definition of delirium tremens is, “a psychotic condition typical of withdrawal in chronic alcoholics, involving tremors, hallucinations, anxiety, and disorientation.” The deliriums tremens occur most often after heavy alcohol consumption is stopped.
Read More: 10 Signs of Alcoholism
Symptoms begin to appear within 48 to 96 hours after the last drink is consumed but can continue for up to 7-10 days. It is not recommended to detox from alcohol “cold turkey”. Seizures can occur along with other symptoms of delirium tremens. Seizures are most common in the first 12 hours to 2 days after the last drink. Symptoms of delirium tremens can be deadly. Medical help (a medical detox and or hospital stay) is strongly recommended for those withdrawing from alcohol and experiencing signs of delirium tremens.
Other symptoms associated with DT’s
- anxiety
- chest pain
- confusion
- delirium (an extremely disturbed state of mind)
- delusions (irrationally believing things that are untrue)
- excessive sweating
- excitement
- eye and muscle movement problems
- fatigue
- fear
- fever
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
- increased heart rate or breathing rate
- increased startle reflex (an exaggerated reaction to unexpected stimuli)
- involuntary muscle contractions
- nausea
- nightmares
- restlessness
- seizures
- sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
- stomach pain
- sudden mood changes
DT’s are also known as “the shakes”
Some immediate physical signs of oncoming tremens are hand tremors (or “the shakes”), fever and dehydration. A medical detox can help ease the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal through intravenous fluids, sedatives to calm anxiety, medication to stop and prevent seizures, and antipsychotic medications to prevent hallucinations. If the obsession to consume alcohol continues, alcohol rehabilitation is recommended. A detox or hospital facility will be able to aid in finding a treatment center to help individuals treat their problem with alcohol addiction.
Learn More: Alcohol Abuse & the Liver
Looking for Alcoholism Help?
If you or a loved one might be struggling with alcohol dependence or alcoholism, contact Rock Recovery Center to have your alcoholism questions answered by a specialist.
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