Alcohol Delirium Tremens

"Delirium Tremens" or "DTs" is a very serious condition which can occur when an individual who consistently drinks large volumes of alcohol abruptly stops. This condition occurs only in a small majority of people who undergo the detoxification process to cleanse the alcohol from their system however, this condition is considered a medical emergency as it can be life threatening and if you or someone you love has a serious dependency on alcohol you should be aware of the symptoms so that you can seek immediate medical treatment.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is the medical term for the symptoms which occurs when someone who has an alcohol dependency suddenly stops drinking and the severity is determined by four different categories.  The first is minor withdrawal which typically needs no medications or assistance and is basically similar to a normal hangover.

The second is major withdrawal which may include hallucinations and tremors which include the full body. Seizure withdrawal is the third with the more serious complication of seizures due to the alcohol withdrawal. The fourth and most serious category is the Delirium Tremens which involves abrupt neurological changes causing delirium which is the loss of mental stability.

The symptoms of delirium tremens include many of the more common occurrences of alcohol withdrawal such as nausea, vomiting, sweating profusely, and severe headache in addition too confusion, hallucinations, disorientation, and other severe changes in mental status. Any individual experiencing these symptoms must seek immediate medical attention due to the fact that their life is in danger.

The individual will be admitted to the hospital and treatment will consist of monitoring vital signs, blood work to determine levels of such things as electrolytes, medications will be administered as needed for things such as heart arrhythmia, and seizures. The patient may be put in a sedated state for up to a week and possibly longer until the detoxification is complete.