DTs Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

DTs Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments Addiction Alcohol Use Withdrawal and Relapse Print What Its Like to Go Through the DTs By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial policy Buddy T Updated on August 28, 2019 George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images More in Addiction Alcohol Use Withdrawal and Relapse Binge Drinking Children of Alcoholics Drunk Driving Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery In This Article Table of Contents Expand Causes Signs & Symptoms Treatments Before You Stop Drinking How to Get Help View All Back To Top People who drink alcohol heavily experience a variety of physical and mental withdrawal symptoms when they cut back or stop drinking. People who stop drinking cold turkey can experience a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The most severe alcohol withdrawal is called delirium tremens, otherwise known as the DTs. The experience of going through delirium tremens can vary from person to person depending on the duration and frequency of their previous alcohol consumption. Causes Alcohol is a depressant, which means that it slows down the central nervous system. Chronic, heavy alcohol use can create changes in how the brain works, including how the brains chemical messengers function. When alcohol consumption suddenly stops, the brain continues working in the state it has become used to, leading to symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.   Signs and Symptoms DTs typically begin after a person decides to give up alcohol after a binge, period of heavy drinking, or when they realize that they need to quit drinking. While people sometimes go through this process at home, it is also common for people to choose to go through alcohol withdrawal  and detoxification at a medical facility. DTs usually dont begin right away.?? A person who stops drinking will often experience a period of milder alcohol withdrawal symptoms that become increasingly severe. Only about five percent of people going through withdrawal experience DTs. Heavy, long-term alcohol users are more likely to experience delirium tremens during withdrawal. Mild to Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Early Alcohol Withdrawal Early symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically begin within the first 8 to 12  hours following a persons last drink.   Early symptoms are often mild and can include: HeadachesNauseaVomitingClammy skinLack of energyTremblingRestlessnessSweatingAnxietyIrritabilityMood swings These early-stage symptoms of withdrawal typically last for between one to three days, although they may last longer for some individuals. Later Withdrawal Symptoms As alcohol withdrawal progresses, people often begin to experience more severe symptoms which may include: HallucinationsChanges in blood pressureBreathing changes or difficultiesSeizures These symptoms may begin around 12 to 24 hours after a person has stopped drinking.?? Such symptoms may also be experienced in addition to the symptoms that characterize early withdrawal. Delirium Tremens (DTs) It is during the later stages of alcohol withdrawal, around 48 to 96 hours after the last alcohol use, that people may experience delirium tremens (DTs).?? However, they may also begin as long as 7 to 10 days after a person quits drinking. Symptoms of the DTs include: DeliriumTremorsDeep sleepFear or excitementFatigue or stuporSeizuresDisorientationRapid mood changesSensitivity to light, sound, and touchChanges in heart rate While going through DTs, people may experience feelings of severe agitation. Feelings of panic or even a sense of impending doom are not uncommon. Some people may also experience changes in heart rate or breathing that are potentially fatal.   Symptoms of DTs typically resolve in a few days, but they are serious and should receive medical attention. If you or someone you know has signs of delirium tremens, contact medical services immediately. Treatments DTs are a medical emergency that requires hospitalization.?? Doctors may conduct a variety of tests including electrocardiograms (ECGs), toxicology screens, blood magnesium levels, metabolic panels, and blood phosphate levels. Treatment is focused first and foremost on saving the individuals life, preventing complications, and minimizing symptoms. Treatment may include the use of benzodiazepines to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.?? Some of the medications that are used to treat DTs include lorazepam (Ativan) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium).  Such medications may help relieve the anxiety that is associated with severe, acute alcohol withdrawal. Because heavy alcohol use can also result in nutritional deficiencies, doctors may also recommend vitamins and minerals including thiamine, zinc, phosphate, magnesium, and folate.??   With medical treatment, mortality rates for DTs are around five percent. Without appropriate treatment, between 15 to 35 percent of cases may be fatal.?? The most common causes of death for patients with DTs are attributed to cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory failure.?? Before You Stop Drinking While not everyone who goes through alcohol withdrawal experiences DTs, you should still inform your doctor about your plan to stop drinking. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and potentially fatal, so you should always go through this process under the supervision of a medical professional. The problem is that no one knows until they quit  how severe their withdrawal symptoms will be. If youre a longtime drinker or a heavy drinker  and you plan to quit, consult with your healthcare provider or seek treatment from a professional detoxification facility. How to Get Help If you need help to stop drinking, there are resources available. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon can provide information and social support as you go through this process. You can even attend meetings online. If you need help to stop drinking, talk to your doctor or contact the SAMHSA national helpline at 1-800-662-4357 to find treatment services in your area. Treatment Options for Alcohol Withdrawal