One should not confuse delirium tremens with alcohol hallucinosis, nor with alcohol-related dementia (also known as “wet brain”). Some believe that other factors, such as malnutrition or certain psychological disorders, may also raise the risk of suffering AWD. The risk becomes even worse when said patients also have a history of going into withdrawal. Again, these only trigger delirium tremens in patients with a severe history of alcohol or tranquilizer abuse. This leads to the primary symptoms associated with delirium tremens.Īlcohol withdrawal delirium may also occur as a result of illness, infection or head trauma. In short, the central nervous system becomes overstimulated in what medical professionals refer to as an adrenergic storm. At the same time, the brain increases production of excitatory neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine and glutamate. Upon quitting, the brain finds itself without these important receptors, which also regulate blood pressure, heart rate and other nervous subsystems. But over long periods of alcohol or benzo abuse, the brain slows production. The brain’s GABA receptors generally act as a sedative. This chemical similarity also accounts for the use of benzos such as Librium in withdrawal management. Both alcohol and tranquilizers affect the GABA chemical in the brain, as well as the transmitter somatic system, thereby leading to their similar withdrawal effects. Even a sharp decrease in dosage may result in AWD. This usually only results from particularly heavy use, especially when using frequently for a period of thirty days or more. The same thing happens when abruptly quitting tranquilizers such as barbiturates or benzodiazepines. When heavy drinkers try to quit cold turkey without taking effective withdrawal medications, they put themselves at risk of delirium tremens. What Is Delirium Tremens?ĭelirium tremens is related to the stereotype of “seeing pink elephants.” (kristy ART/Shutterstock) Given the deadly nature of addiction itself, no one should subject themselves to further danger when finally deciding to recover. Those who do not suffer from substance use disorders should keep this information in mind before deciding to use in the first place. Those who suffer from alcoholism or addiction should bear this in mind when deciding to quit. Finally, we’ll discuss the manner in which delirium tremens is treated and prevented. We’ll also discuss the primary symptoms of AWD and how medical professionals go about making a diagnosis. Attempting to detox without such medications can prove incredibly uncomfortable, if not altogether deadly.īelow, we’ll discuss in further detail the potential causes of delirium tremens. This is why alcoholics often receive Librium or other withdrawal medications during detox. And even in less severe cases, those who suffer delirium tremens will find themselves greatly impaired. Those suffering from alcoholism or prescription drug addiction should bear this in mind, as delirium tremens sometimes proves fatal in severe cases. These drugs act on the same neurotransmitters as alcohol, resulting in similar withdrawal symptoms.
In some cases, it also occurs as a result of withdrawal from prescription drugs, particularly benzos or barbiturates. In reality, “DTs” stands for “delirium tremens.” Some may also know delirium tremens by its alternate name-alcohol withdrawal delirium, or AWD.Īs the name implies, AWD occurs during alcohol withdrawal.
This question pertains to whether the addict or alcoholic in question has ever suffered from “DTs.” Many patients falsely assume this to be an abbreviation for “ detox.” And while the two are most certainly related, this is not quite the case. When substance abusers first enter addiction treatment, their entry survey or interview almost always contains one specific question. Alcohol withdrawal can have fatal consequences.
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