Delirium Tremens & How to Avoid It

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)

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

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
  1. An initial assessment will be done to ensure this option is the safest for you,
  2. Telephonic assistance and support is included,
  3. You are encouraged to nominate a ‘support buddy’ to ensure you are supervised and assisted through your detox,
  4. 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