If you’re ready to seek treatment for an alcohol use disorder, detox will be the first step in your recovery journey. This is the process of helping your body adjust to functioning without alcohol. 

In most cases, detox is merely uncomfortable. However, some people who have abused alcohol for an extended time period may experience a condition called delirium tremens (DTs). Sometimes referred to as alcohol withdrawal delirium (AWD), this is a severe manifestation of alcohol withdrawal that is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency. Since it’s not possible to predict with 100% accuracy who will suffer from DTs, the safest course of action is to complete a medically managed detox before entering a residential addiction treatment center. 

About Delirium Tremens

Alcohol is a depressant that affects the central nervous system. When a person drinks excessively, the brain adapts to the steady presence of alcohol. If alcohol consumption is abruptly stopped, the brain becomes hyperactive—which can lead to the symptoms of delirium tremens. The body’s production of an amino acid called glutamate also spikes, which can lead to the seizures associated with DTs.

Research has shown that approximately 5% of individuals who are hospitalized and treated for alcohol withdrawal will develop delirium tremens. Risk factors include:

• A long period of heavy drinking, which is defined as 15 or more drinks per week for men and eight or more drinks per week for women
• Abruptly stopping or reducing alcohol intake
• A past history of DTs during alcohol withdrawal or close family members who’ve experienced the condition
• Malnutrition
• A history of seizures or a past traumatic brain injury

Delirium tremens can affect people of all ages and genders. However, DTs is statistically more common in men than women, with the highest risk occurring in men between the ages of 40 and 59.

Symptoms of Delirium Tremens

The symptoms of delirium tremens usually start within 72 hours after the last drink. Typically, the symptoms last between two and three days, but they can persist for up to 10 days in severe cases. Several factors, such as the amount and duration of alcohol consumption, age, and general health, can influence the progression of DTs.

Normally, a person who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal will have symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, shakiness, sweating, and difficulty sleeping. However, individuals who suffer from DTs will experience more severe symptoms that may include:

• Confusion and disorientation
• Severe tremors
• Fever
• High blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Problems with eye or muscle movement
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
• Seizures
• Extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and touch

Complications of Delirium Tremens

Delirium tremens can lead to several complications if left untreated, including:

• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance 
• Sepsis 
• Heart attack or stroke
• Injuries from falls or accidents
• Pneumonia

In severe cases, DTs can be fatal. It is difficult to determine the condition’s fatality rate since many sufferers also have other serious medical conditions that can be affected by alcohol withdrawal. However, the fatality rate for untreated delirium tremens is estimated to be between 5% and 15%. 

Treatment of Delirium Tremens

Due to the stigma surrounding addiction, people often try to quit drinking without professional help. This is a mistake. Delirium tremens is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. If you attempt a detox at home and start to experience the symptoms of DTs, you should call 911 immediately. 

Treatment for DTs may include:

• Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
• Medications to reduce anxiety, agitation, and seizures
• Sedatives or tranquilizers to help you sleep
• Antipsychotic medications to reduce hallucinations
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine) supplementation, as people with alcohol use disorder are often deficient in this vitamin
• Nutritional support to help replenish lost nutrients

Staying Safe as You Begin Your Recovery Journey

Fear of withdrawal is a natural concern for individuals struggling with addiction, and being at risk for DTs can add to your worries. However, this doesn’t mean that you should give up on your dream of a better future. You can achieve a lasting recovery with the right treatment and support.

If you are at risk for delirium tremens, the safest way to begin your recovery journey is to undergo a medically supervised detoxification program. Here’s what you can expect when entering St. Joseph Institute’s medically managed detox for alcohol abuse:

• A comprehensive assessment to determine your level of alcohol abuse and your overall health
• Medication to help manage the symptoms and prevent complications
• 24/7 supervision to ensure that you are safe and comfortable throughout the detox process
• Counseling to help you cope with the emotional and psychological effects of alcohol withdrawal
• Guidance on your next steps in recovery as you work through the steps of our Pennsylvania residential addiction treatment program 

An untreated alcohol use disorder can have several long-term effects on your physical and mental health, as well as your social and professional life. Every day you wait to seek treatment puts you at a greater risk of liver disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, mental health disorders, and cognitive impairment—in addition to causing serious harm to your career and relationships with loved ones. Let us help you chart a path to a future of hope and healing.