DTs (delirium tremens) is a severe and potentially fatal manifestation of alcohol withdrawal, requiring urgent medical intervention. Although this condition is manageable with prompt treatment, it requires professional medical intervention and targeted treatments. Read on to learn more about severe alcohol withdrawal and discover how to detox safely and comfortably, mitigating complications like DTs.
Delirium Tremens Symptoms
What is delirium tremens? Delirium tremens is a severe stage of alcohol withdrawal, which in some cases can lead to life-threatening situations. This condition is especially risky for individuals with moderate to severe alcohol use disorders who abruptly discontinue their alcohol intake.
Symptoms of delirium tremens may include:
- Tremors: Often the most visible and characteristic symptom, particularly noticeable in the hands.
- Confusion: A specific type of delirium associated with alcohol withdrawal, sometimes referred to by healthcare professionals as altered mental status. This symptom, alongside tremors, contributes to the name delirium tremens.
- Agitation or anxiety: This state can escalate into combative or aggressive behavior.
- Psychosis symptoms: Individuals may experience hallucinations, perceiving things that do not exist. Other signs of psychosis like paranoia can also occur.
- Sensory disturbances and disorientation: People undergoing DTs often experience diminished perception of surroundings due to impaired sensory function.
- Diaphoresis: Episodes of intense sweating that come and go.
- Seizures: These may occur in the early stages of withdrawal and before DTs fully develop. Seizures represent a significant risk and can be fatal, especially if they progress to status epilepticus.
- Hyperthermia: An elevated body temperature.
- GI disturbances: Nausea and vomiting, sometimes accompanied by headaches.
- Tachycardia: An abnormally rapid heart rate.
Understanding and recognizing these symptoms can help people get immediate medical attention, as early intervention can mitigate the risks associated with DTs.
How Long Does Delirium Tremens Last?
Delirium tremens (DTs) normally lasts for five to seven days. That said, some people might continue to encounter some symptoms for as long as two weeks.
Delirium Tremens Timeline
While delirium tremens (DTs) tends to follow a predictable course, the intensity and duration of symptoms can vary, with some lingering longer than others. This is a typical delirium tremens timeline:
- Initial withdrawal symptoms: These symptoms emerge between 6 to 24 hours following cessation of heavy and prolonged alcohol consumption.
- Onset of severe symptoms: Hallucinations or seizures typically begin to manifest around 12 to 48 hours after the last alcoholic beverage has been consumed. It’s during this period that symptoms may progress into delirium tremens.
- Duration of delirium tremens: Symptoms of DTs usually persist for 3 to 4 days but generally resolve by the fifth day. In some cases, these symptoms can extend for 8 to 10 days.
Treatment for Delirium Tremens
While delirium tremens cannot be cured, it is highly manageable with appropriate treatment. Due to confusion being a prominent symptom, individuals experiencing DTs may be incapable of making informed healthcare decisions, meaning that intervention from family or caregivers on their behalf might be necessary
A core focus of treatment of delirium tremens is the reduction of activity in the CNS (central nervous system) activity. Healthcare professionals accomplish this through the administration of medications aimed at decreasing CNS excitability.
Treatment typically begins with the use of sedatives to diminish CNS activity, which addresses the most critical complications associated with DTs. Benzodiazepines are the most frequently used sedatives, although other medications may also be indicated. In extreme cases, where CNS activity is excessively high, general anesthesia may be necessary to achieve full sedation and mitigate the risk of severe DTs symptoms.
Additionally, many individuals with DTs suffer from dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or mineral deficiencies. Healthcare providers address these issues by administering intravenous infusions of essential vitamins and minerals. One commonly used IV solution includes:
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
- Vitamin B9 (folate)
- Multivitamins
- Electrolyte solution
The root cause of DTs is alcohol use disorder, and the overarching objective following DTs management is to address this disorder. There are various strategies for treating alcohol use disorder, and engaging in treatment can significantly lower the likelihood of experiencing DTs in the future. Here’s how we can help you with this.
Get Treatment for Delirium Tremens at Gratitude Lodge
If you or a loved one need effective alcohol addiction treatment in California, reach out to Gratitude Lodge. Prevention is the best delirium tremens treatment, so by choosing medical detox at our Newport Beach or Long Beach rehabs, you can mitigate complications and relapse during withdrawal.
If you experience severe alcohol withdrawal, you will benefit from treatment of delirium tremens before you move into ongoing inpatient treatment.
Since all alcohol addictions are unique and everyone has different needs, you can expect to access personalized treatments that may include
- Holistic therapies
- Talk therapies
- Motivational therapies
- MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
- Group therapy
- Individual counseling
- Family therapy
- Aftercare planning
Avoid the potentially life-threatening dangers of severe alcohol withdrawal by calling 844-576-0144 for help from detox to discharge and beyond.
