Delirium Tremens & How to Avoid It
Delirium Tremens is considered an acute and serious range of withdrawal symptoms that can occur as soon as 48 hours and can last up to 5 days and is known to occur in chronic alcohol abusers who abruptly cease using alcohol.
What Causes it?
Typically Delirium Tremens are only present in about 5% of detoxing patients, more commonly if you have been a chronic drinker for more than 10 years, have a history of alcohol withdrawal, or are a daily drinker for months on end.
Risks are increased when the following factors are present:
- History of severe withdrawal symptoms
- Concurrent illness
- Advanced age
- Hypokalemia – extremely low potassium levels (https://www.healthline.com/health/hypokalemia#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1)
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Signs & Symptoms
There are many signs and symptoms that you or your loved one may be suffering from Delirium Tremens, not all may be present but if you suspect Delirium Tremens, immediate medical help is needed.
The symptoms to look out for are:
- Tremors or shaking hands, feet
- Chest pain
- Dehydration –
- Excitability, anger, confusion
- Fever
- Easily startled
- Hallucinations
- Heavy sweating
- High blood pressure
- Nausea or vomiting
- Nightmares
- Pale skin
- Passing out
- Problems with eye muscle and movement
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and touch
- Severe hyperactivity
- Sleepiness, stupor, or fatigue (this can include a deep sleep that lasts for a day or longer)
A full range of alcohol withdrawal symptoms may persist for as little as a few hours or even several weeks after withdrawal has begun. The most severe symptoms commonly develop as many as two to three days after the last drink. (https://www.alcohol.org/detoxification/)
How to Avoid it
Since a lot of times a person presenting with Delirium Tremens is also presenting with severe dehydration and severe electrolyte abnormalities. It is important that you stay well hydrated during the course of an alcohol detox.
You and your ‘support buddy’ will be advised as to the best ways to keep you hydrated at home these may include:
- Multivitamins
- Thiamine (Vit B1) is important in the breakdown of carbohydrates to ensure your glycaemic (sugar) levels are stable. it is useful in preventing memory impairment, amnesia, and in extreme cases Wernicke encephalopathy
(Medscape) - Medications can be prescribed to help ease your symptoms
We can Help
By choosing the right alcohol treatment plan, such as our ‘Alcohol home detox , you will achieve your goals quicker and safer than trying to detox on your own, we can assist by offering an at-home treatment programme that is:
- Safe – your safety throughout this programme is our top priority
- An initial assessment will be done to ensure this option is the safest for you,
- Telephonic assistance and support is included,
- You are encouraged to nominate a ‘support buddy’ to ensure you are supervised and assisted through your detox,
- Medication will be prescribed and posted to you for assistance with the withdrawal symptoms you may experience.
- Affordable – £1500 as opposed to approx £4000 for residential inpatient care at some facilities
- Flexible – the same day start is offered once your assessment and payment options have been finalised.
- Medically insured – Our home-based detox programme is covered by medical insurance
- Confidential
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Is Delirium Tremens dangerous?
There is anticipated mortality of 37% if the DTs are left untreated but can be as low as 5% if recognised and treated early. (NCBI)
Our service provides medication to help alleviate these symptoms.
Is delirium tremens common during alcohol Withdrawal?
Typically Delirium Tremens are only present in about 5% of detoxing patients, more commonly if you have been a chronic drinker for more than 10 years, have a history of alcohol withdrawal, or are a daily drinker for months on end.
Author / Jason Shiers / Dip.Psych
Jason Shiers is a Certified Transformative Coach & Certified Psychotherapist who is a specialist in addiction, trauma and eating disorders. He has been working in the field of addiction for 25 years now.