Delirium tremens and other serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be very dangerous but are treatable. Find out more about these symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and how Hills & Ranges Private medical professionals treat them.
Overview of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
More than 50% of individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder (AUD) can exhibit alcohol withdrawal symptoms (AWS) after they reduce their alcohol intake or stop drinking altogether. But why does this happen?
Basically, alcohol slows down brain activity and modifies nerve impulse transmission, which has a depressive effect on the brain. Alcohol misuse causes the central nervous system to adapt over time, keeping the brain active and nerves communicating. Withdrawal results from the brain remaining in an activated state even when alcohol intake decreases.
AWS is more common in adults, but children and teenagers are also likely to develop the symptoms after excessive drinking. The intensity of withdrawal symptoms varies based on the amount and duration of alcohol consumption. However, the risk of developing severe withdrawal symptoms tends to be higher for those who have gone through medical detoxification or have a history of alcohol withdrawal.
The onset of symptoms can occur as soon as six hours after the last drink. They typically peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last drink but can last for weeks.
Symptoms usually include:
- Anxiety
- Shaky hands
- Jumpiness or shakiness
- Sweating, clammy skin
- Headache
- Nausea
- Mood swings
- Enlarged (dilated) pupils
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Sweating
Delirium tremens (DTs) is the most serious manifestation of alcohol withdrawal and usually shows in people with severe cases of alcohol dependency. This condition is considered a medical emergency and has the potential to be fatal. Its symptoms typically appear 48 hours after stopping alcohol and can result in:
- High blood pressure
- Agitation
- Fever
- Severe confusion (delirium)
- Racing Heart
- Hallucinations
- Heavy sweating
- Seizures
Delirium tremens is a particularly rare condition that only develops in around 3–5% of patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Alcoholics who are awaiting surgery or medical attention also often exhibit DTs, which occur when hospitalisation results in an abrupt cessation of alcohol consumption.
Treatment of Delirium Tremens and Other Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Managing the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, halting the development of major health issues, and connecting patients to long-term recovery treatment are the main objectives of treating AWS. The treatment is highly dependent on the severity of the symptoms.
Mild to Moderate Withdrawal Symptoms
For those with mild symptoms, all they may need to get through it is supportive care, a good diet and lots of fluids, a happy environment, and minimal social interaction. That’s not to say you don’t need to consult a professional. Physicians and other health professionals can advise you on the safest and best course of action.
In most cases, outpatient treatment is an option if you choose to seek medical help. Until you reach stability, you probably need to visit your provider every day. Small amounts of the withdrawal medication, thiamine, and a multivitamin will be prescribed at each visit.
You will need someone to watch over you and stay with you during this process. They will receive instructions on how to take the medicine for withdrawal. They must also be informed about the medication’s side effects, the typical signs of withdrawal, and what to do if your symptoms get worse.
Even so, your doctor may still recommend you to inpatient care, even if your symptoms are not severe. This can be due to several factors, such as a history of severe withdrawal symptoms, delirium tremens or withdrawal seizures, and multiple detox procedures in the past. You might also be considered an inpatient if you are pregnant, have a mental illness, have recently consumed a significant amount of alcohol, and don’t have a strong support system.
Delirium Tremens
People experiencing severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal require immediate medical attention. Since delirium tremens is a medical emergency, you will probably need to be admitted to inpatient care so that doctors can provide you with medication and round-the-clock supervision. In extreme circumstances, you might require care in an intensive care unit (ICU). The death rate for DTs can reach 37% without proper medical attention.
Patients with delirium tremens may be prescribed any of the following medications in addition to others:
- Benzodiazepines: Diazepam, Chlordiazepoxide, Lorazepam
- Barbiturates: Pentobarbital, Phenobarbital
- Antipsychotics: Haloperidol
- Anaesthetic agents: dexmedetomidine, Propofol, ketamine
- Vitamins and nutrients: Dextrose, magnesium, thiamine, folic acid
Reducing nervous system activity is a top priority in treating this condition because symptoms like agitation increase the risk of harm, seizures, and even death. A healthcare provider will administer medication that lowers CNS activity, such as sedatives. DTs treatment also seeks to provide timely, appropriate, and protocol-driven treatment for alcohol withdrawal in addition to identifying and treating underlying medical co-morbidities.
Mineral deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances, and dehydration are also common conditions in people with DTs. Your doctor can treat these by injecting you with the required vitamins and minerals via an IV in your vein.
It generally takes three to seven days for the primary symptoms of delirium tremens to go away. During that period, you should gradually start feeling better. However, some extreme symptoms might not go away for weeks or months.
Patients with delirium tremens may initially need to be observed and evaluated several times a day until their symptoms subside. Following stabilisation, the patient might undergo daily evaluations until the medication dosage is decreased and the symptoms disappear.
Get Treatment From a 5-star Rehabilitation Centre
When you or your loved one chooses to recover at the HARP facility, a team of specialists and compassionate staff will monitor you or the person you care about around the clock to ensure safety and comfort while going through alcohol withdrawal. Our rehabilitation centre provides everything needed to treat your alcohol withdrawal symptoms, no matter how severe, all the way to helping you break free from your alcohol dependency through holistic treatment.
Don’t detox at home and deal with alcohol withdrawal symptoms alone. Call our alcohol withdrawal specialist for an actionable plan.
