Can Delirium Tremens Be Cured?

Addiction is a condition that is difficult to leave. Whether it's smoking or drinking alcohol, both are hard to stop when the addict tries to stop. Well, delirium tremens (DT) is a condition that can be experienced by alcoholics when they try to reduce drinking or stop altogether. DT can cause bodily confusion to change the way the brain regulates blood circulation and breathing.

DT is a serious condition that can be life threatening if not handled properly. Symptoms of DT usually appear after 48 hours after the last alcohol consumption and are most intense 4-5 days after the last drink. This condition can last between 1-8 days. So, can DT be cured?

Can this condition be cured?
Even though it is considered a medical emergency, DT can still be treated. Launching from the American Addiction Centers, untreated DT is at risk of causing death as much as 37 percent. The risk of death is quite high, so the vital signs of the sufferer must be monitored during treatment. Treatment involves supportive care through administration of benzodiazepines.

Intravenous fluids usually also need to be given to overcome the problem of electrolytes which can cause the sufferer to become dehydrated. Antipsychotic drugs can also be given to calm agitation and prevent hallucinations.

After the medical detoxification is complete, the patient must undergo rehabilitation at the hospital. During rehabilitation, cognitive behavioral therapy will be carried out to educate the sufferer in overcoming his alcoholism.

Delirium Tremens Symptoms that Must Be Cautioned
Signs and symptoms of delirium usually begin a few hours or a few days. Symptoms can fluctuate throughout the day and there may be periods without symptoms. Symptoms tend to be worse at night due to lack of lighting. Launch from the Mayo Clinic, the following common symptoms of delirium tremens:

Lack of Environmental Awareness
This condition makes the sufferer unfocused, so unable to respond to questions or conversations appropriately. They are more easily disturbed by things that are not important.

Start to experience Cognitive Disorders
People with difficulty begin to remember events that just happened. They also experience disorientation, making them unaware of where and with whom. The person has difficulty speaking or remembering words, starts babbling or talking nonsense, is difficult to understand speech and is difficult to read or write.

Changes in behavior
People with DT can experience hallucinations, anxiety, agitation or aggressive behavior. They can suddenly call out, groan or make other sounds. Body movements start slow or lethargic. Sleep habits can also be disturbed, such as sleeping during the day and waking up at night.

Emotional Disorders
Patients can experience anxiety, fear and paranoia. As a result, they are prone to depression. The person becomes irritable or suddenly feeling happy. The atmosphere of the day can change unexpectedly. They also become apathetic about their surroundings.

The approach to preventing delirium is to target risk factors that might trigger symptoms. Sometimes the hospital environment can worsen symptoms. Because, changes in the room, invasive procedures, loud noise, poor lighting, and lack of natural light, and sleep can worsen confusion.