Alcohol is one of the many substances that find common use in the day-to-day lives of a large portion of the US. Nearly 55% of Americans who are 18 and older have reported drinking in the last month, with over 85% having tried alcohol at some point in their life. With such widespread usage, it’s no surprise that alcohol abuse and addiction are one of the most common forms of substance dependencies. The longer and more heavily you drink, the more difficult withdrawals and sobriety become.
Where Does Delirium Fit In?
Alcohol withdrawals come with a list of side effects that, while temporary, can be difficult to push through. The more difficult withdrawal cases come from heavy alcohol intake over long periods of time. Alcohol withdrawal delirium, or AWD, is experienced in these situations, which can lead to severe problems such as seizures.
Alcohol withdrawal delirium targets the brain and nervous system when it comes to these side effects. Thankfully, only a small portion of those fighting addiction will experience this upper-end of withdrawal symptoms.
Delirium tremens is not common, but when it happens, it is serious. Research shows that about 5 to 10 percent of people who go through alcohol withdrawal may experience DT. Without medical treatment, the condition can be fatal in 15 to 40 percent of cases. With modern medical care, including safe detox medications, the risk drops to between 1 and 4 percent. This is why supervised detox is not only safer but also life-saving for those with a history of heavy or long-term alcohol use.
What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium?
The reason delirium is such an uncommon side effect is that even in the case of full-blown alcohol addiction, users must also have extremely high intake levels during use. Alcohol, much like most drugs, will alter your brain and nervous system’s chemical production. The more frequently you drink, the more your body adapts to not making as much of the chemical.
DT is most likely to develop in people who drink heavily every day for months or years. For example, this might mean consuming the equivalent of seven or eight pints of beer, a pint of liquor, or several bottles of wine daily. Long-term heavy use changes the way the brain and nervous system function, which makes the sudden absence of alcohol much harder for the body to handle.
When the time comes for a heavy alcohol consumer to begin the process of quitting, certain steps must be taken to ensure a safe transition. One of the most common types of incidents is mismanagement of symptoms when attempting to undergo alcohol detox at home. America’s Rehab Campuses is dedicated to fully supervised and medically assisted detox programs to help make the first detox the only one they need.
Why Does Delirium Tremens Happen?
Alcohol alters the way the brain works by increasing a calming chemical called GABA while suppressing an excitatory chemical called glutamate. Over time, the brain adjusts to these changes and becomes dependent on alcohol to maintain balance. When drinking stops suddenly, the brain is left in an overactive state, leading to agitation, confusion, hallucinations, and other symptoms of DT. This is one reason medical support is so important during withdrawal.
Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium Symptoms
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal delirium can appear within 48 to 72 hours of the last drink, often peaking between the third and fifth day. In some cases, they may be delayed up to a week. The condition affects both the body and the mind, creating a range of dangerous and distressing effects. Common symptoms include:
• Tremors or shaking of the hands and body
• Severe confusion and disorientation
• Hallucinations, such as seeing or hearing things that are not there
• Seizures
• Rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, sweating, and fever
• Intense anxiety, paranoia, or agitation
• Trouble sleeping and ongoing fatigue
These symptoms can be frightening, but with proper medical care, they can be managed safely and effectively.
Physical side effects will be the most noticeable at first and include fatigue, insomnia, fever, chest pains and high heart rate, nausea, a heightened gag reflex, and stomach problems. The mental side effects can be just as, if not more, debilitating. Fits of confusion and irrational thoughts are part of the delirium, with anxiety, fear, and restlessness all being increased exponentially as well.
Who Is Most at Risk for Delirium Tremens?
Not everyone who drinks heavily will develop DT, but certain people face a much higher risk. Older adults, people with other medical conditions such as liver or heart disease, and those who have experienced seizures or DT in the past are especially vulnerable. Poor nutrition can also increase the likelihood of severe withdrawal symptoms. For these individuals, attempting to detox without medical support can be extremely dangerous.
Don’t Let Delirium Deter Progress
While delirium tremens itself usually lasts only a few days, the recovery process does not always end there. Some withdrawal symptoms, such as sleep problems, mood swings, and fatigue, can continue for weeks or even months. This is why follow-up treatment, counseling, and support programs are so valuable after detox. They provide the stability and tools needed to build long-term recovery. Our treatment plans come in a variety of shapes and sizes to help match your needs regarding both addiction and your existing responsibilities.
We encourage anyone struggling or who knows someone struggling with alcohol addiction to reach out to our team as soon as possible for a confidential consultation. Don’t tackle recovery alone; let us offer as many helping hands as you need.
