How Do I Know I’m Experiencing Delirium Tremens?
Delirium tremens is the extremely dangerous and sometimes even deadly form of alcohol withdrawal that occurs when a person is severely dependent on the substance. If you are unsure of whether or not you might experience this condition as a result of ending your drinking, it is important to seek professional detox treatment right away. Call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) to find programs that will cater to your needs and help you recover safely.
Recognizing Delirium Tremens
Most people who are likely to experience this syndrome:
- Are heavy alcohol users;
- Have experienced alcohol withdrawal in the past;
- Every day consume around:
- 4 pints of wine
- 7 pints of beer
- 1 pint of hard liquor
Severe confusion is a common symptom of delirium tremens.
If you recognize these behaviors in yourself, it is likely this will occur during your alcohol withdrawal. There are also a number of symptoms that occur specifically as a result of delirium tremens and not as a result of milder forms of withdrawal. According to the National Library of Medicine, these can include:
- Agitation
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Severe confusion
- Seizures
- Stupor
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
- Delirium
- Fear
- Mania
If you begin to experience any of these side effects during alcohol withdrawal, call 911 immediately to get instant medical attention. This level of treatment is necessary, as many of these symptoms can become deadly.
Being able to recognize the symptoms of delirium tremens separately from those associated with milder forms of alcohol withdrawal is extremely necessary to your safe and strong recovery.
Worsening Symptoms Can Endanger You
Especially if you know you are going to experience alcohol withdrawal––and have already been through it before––it can be tempting to do so alone at home. However, delirium tremens “involves sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes” that cannot easily be predicted or prevented (NLM).
You may believe you are experiencing the milder symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, but those listed above could suddenly begin to occur without any warning. Therefore, going through withdrawal alone is simply not a safe option.
The Differences between Substance Withdrawal and Alcohol Withdrawal
I’m Experiencing Delirium Tremens: What Should I Do?
The safest thing to do if you think you are undergoing delirium tremens currently is to call 911. This way, you can receive immediate medical care in a hospital setting where any necessary treatment option will be available to you. You may need to be sedated or treated in another way to preserve your safety during this time.
If you believe you are likely to experience these life-threatening symptoms, it is best to search out a detox center where you can safely recover from the effects of them and receive the necessary treatments for your health.
These programs also ensure an easy transition into addiction treatment, something many people who attempt to withdraw at home neglect, which leaves them more vulnerable to relapse.
Do I Need Treatment for Delirium Tremens?
If you think there is a possibility that you may begin to experience this syndrome, you should absolutely seek professional, inpatient detox treatment immediately. Even if you are unsure, though, there is always a possibility that your withdrawal may grow worse. Therefore, it is safest to call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) now and find a rehab center where you can detox from alcohol safely and without fear.
