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When someone with an alcohol addiction stops drinking, they may experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Some are so dangerous, like delirium tremens (DT), that they may cause death. This is why seeking medical attention while detoxing is recommended. If you or a loved one is preparing to enter recovery, take a look at how to get rid of DT by understanding the effects you may experience and the available treatment options.
The Effects of Delirium Tremens
Long-term drinking that involves consuming large amounts of alcohol while neglecting to eat food can result in severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms like DT. Other high-risk factors include past struggles with withdrawal or experiencing a head injury, an illness, or an infection during heavy alcohol use.
DT is caused by the body registering alcohol and responding by gradually stopping the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter that transfers messages from the brain to the nervous system. After alcohol is removed from the body, the brain reacts as though it can’t function properly without alcohol in the system because the production of GABA is still stalled.
According to MedlinePlus, symptoms typically occur 48 to 96 hours after the last drink but may take as long as 7 to 10 days. Symptoms can worsen quickly and include:
- Body tremors or shakes
- Excitement or fear
- Changes in mental function
- Energy bursts
- Agitation or irritability
- Long periods of deep sleep
- Restlessness
- Sporadic mood changes
- Hallucinations
- Delirium or sudden severe confusion
- Sensitivity to sounds, touch, and lighting
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Body aches and chest pain
- Fever
- Trouble focusing
In severe cases, organ failure is possible and may result in death.
How Much Do You Have to Drink to Get DT?
MedlinePlus reports that those who drink 4 to 5 pints of wine, 7 to 8 pints of beer, or 1 pint of hard liquor every day for a month are more likely to experience DT. Those who’ve used alcohol for more than 10 years are also susceptible.
If you’re wondering how to avoid delirium tremens fully, the best option is to avoid or reduce alcohol use. You should also get prompt medical treatment as soon as alcohol withdrawal complications occur.
How Much Do You Have to Drink to Get DT?
DT most commonly occurs when a person has a history of alcohol withdrawal. MedlinePlus reports that those who drink 4 to 5 pints of wine, 7 to 8 pints of beer, or 1 pint of hard liquor every day for a month are more likely to experience DT. Those who have used alcohol for more than 10 years are also susceptible.
If you’re wondering how to avoid delirium tremens fully, the best option is to avoid or reduce alcohol use. You should also get prompt medical treatment as soon as withdrawal symptoms occur.
How to Get Rid of DT Through Treatment
The symptoms of DT usually only last about 3 to 4 days but can persist for up to 8 days. Medical guidance is always suggested when detoxing from an addictive substance. Hospitalization is sometimes also necessary. Even though DT isn’t very common, the effects can be severe. If there’s even a chance you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms, it’s imperative to get checked out right away.
Getting Diagnosed With DT
There are two distinct aspects of DT: A person must be in severe alcohol withdrawal, and they must be experiencing delirium. Alcohol withdrawal can be characterized by a number of symptoms, including nausea, hand tremors, hyperactivity, transient hallucinations, headaches, insomnia, or increased agitation. Experiencing at least three symptoms indicates alcohol withdrawal, according to the National Library of Medicine.
DT is treated as a medical emergency. Healthcare providers will perform a physical exam and look for signs such as an irregular or rapid heartbeat, heavy sweating, issues with eye muscle movement, muscle tremors, and increased startle reflex. Once the signs have been identified, the provider may then perform one of the following tests:
- Blood magnesium level
- Blood phosphate level
- Toxicology screen
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Multiple factors are considered during the testing period, such as the severity of alcohol withdrawals, the severity of delirium, and other risk factors and comorbidities associated with chronic use of alcohol. The provider also conducts a general assessment of the patient’s history with alcohol, including the duration, pattern, and quantity of alcohol consumption.
How to Prevent DT
Approximately 3% to 5% of individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder experience DT during detox. There are a few steps to help prevent or reduce the chances of this form of alcohol withdrawal:
- Medical supervision. Healthcare professionals monitor symptoms of withdrawal and provide help when necessary.
- Tapering of alcohol consumption. Gradual tapering of alcohol use under medical supervision can help reduce the risk of DT and other severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Medication support. Medications may be prescribed and administered in treatment to help an individual cope with any signs of withdrawal.
- Diet. Proper amounts of nutrients and fluids support the body throughout detox, reducing the risk of complications.
- Emotional support. Support from family, friends, and counseling may prove beneficial for those going through alcohol withdrawal. Counseling can help uncover the underlying cause of the addiction and provide coping mechanisms.
- Long-term treatment. Long-term treatment, such as inpatient care, support groups, and counseling, helps an individual maintain their sobriety and reduce the risk of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Clinical Intervention for DT
The goals of treatment for DT are to save the person’s life, avoid complications, and relieve symptoms. A hospital stay is sometimes needed so health care professionals can monitor vital signs and body fluid levels and check blood chemistry results, including electrolyte levels. While in the hospital, medication is provided to treat mental health disorders, seizures, tremors, or anxiety. A sedative may be administered to help the patient stay calm until their body finishes eliminating any chemicals related to alcoholism.
Long-term preventive treatment typically begins after a person recovers from DT symptoms and is discharged from the hospital. Counseling or support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are encouraged to help an individual through recovery. A drying-out period in which no alcohol is allowed, or even lifelong abstinence, should be followed to avoid experiencing DT again.
Medication for DT Management
Medications are frequently used in inpatient treatment to help individuals control the symptoms and complications of alcohol withdrawal, such as anxiety and panic. It’s important to note that these drugs should be prescribed by a healthcare professional and monitored in a controlled environment. These medications may include:
- Benzodiazepines. Medications such as Xanax and Valium may help manage agitation, tremors, hallucinations, and seizures. These drugs are extremely habit-forming and can cause additional problems without appropriate supervision.
- Antipsychotics. Haloperidol and olanzapine are two antipsychotic medications prescribed to manage the agitation, tremors, delusions, and hallucinations associated with alcohol withdrawal. However, these medications may increase symptoms in some and require close medical supervision.
- Anticonvulsants. Carbamazepine and valproic acid may be used to prevent seizures that occur during alcohol withdrawal. Anticonvulsants help stabilize the central nervous system that causes tremors.
How to Treat DT at Home
If you’re wondering how to get rid of DT at home, know that it can be dangerous. Detoxing at home may seem like a good solution because it’s seemingly more cost-effective. People tend to feel more comfortable in their own homes than at a hospital or treatment center and believe the easiest solution to ending an alcohol addiction is to simply stop consuming.
But by detoxing at home, you risk experiencing dangerous physical and mental health effects you may not have the means to treat on your own. Hospitals and treatment centers have access to medications that relieve symptoms. Home detox also doesn’t offer aftercare treatment that can lead to long-lasting sobriety.
Detoxing alone is not recommended. Proper medical treatment is the most effective way to stay comfortable during detox.
Seeking Help for Delirium Tremens
If you or a loved one is experiencing withdrawal symptoms or has plans to stop drinking alcohol soon, proper medical treatment is available for DT management and to make the process as comfortable as possible. Contact us at FHE today to learn about available DT treatment options. Our compassionate team of counselors is available 24-7 to take your call and help you make the first move toward recovery.
