The DTs: What They Are and How to Fight Them
The DTs -short for delirium tremors -are a dangerous syndrome that results from alcohol detox and withdrawal. These occur after a serious or long-term addiction to alcohol characterized by constant and harsh binges and require medical treatment.
If you are struggling with the DTs or you are concerned that your alcohol addiction level is such that the DTs will result when you try to stop drinking, contact us at Michael’s House today to get the medical help that you need.
Signs of Delirium Tremors After Alcohol Addiction
Identifying the signs and symptoms of the DTs can help you to recognize the disorder as soon as it starts and make sure to get the help you need to avoid significant health problems as a result. The most common signs include:
- Having a hard time paying attention to a conversation, thought process or TV show
- Mental confusion
- Not knowing who you are, where you are, where you’re supposed to be or what you should be doing
- Hallucinations and paranoia
- A distorted perception of reality
- Severe changes in blood pressure and heart rate as the whole cardiovascular system destabilizes
The Consequences of the DTs
Delirium tremors and associated symptoms can begin during the first 48 hours after the patient stops drinking or significantly reduces the amount that they drink. These symptoms are nothing to be taken lightly -they can be deadly if untreated. The only other issues during alcohol detox that come close in effect are seizures or cardiac arrest due to a weak heart.
Note: It is never recommended that you opt to stop drinking or using drugs of any kind at home alone without medical supervision. If you stop drinking at home and begin to experience the signs listed above, go to an emergency room immediately. If caught early enough, the DTs are extremely treatable -only about 10 percent of those who develop the disorder die as a result.
If you have an acute medical illness when you stop drinking or if you have experienced the DTs in the past when you have attempted to stop drinking or using benzodiazepines, then you are more likely to experience the DTs during alcohol detox.
Alcohol Detox and Addiction Treatment at Michael’s House
Call us now if you would like to learn more about out alcohol detox and addiction treatment program at Michael’s House here in Palm Springs, California. We can help you choose the program that will best serve you in your recovery.
