The consequences of alcohol abuse are divided into mild (hangover) and severe (intoxication of the body, cirrhosis of the liver, etc.). Experts believe that the most dangerous consequence of excessive alcohol consumption is alcoholic delirium, also called “delirium tremens”.
Although there are many comical situations and jokes related to “delirium tremens”, in reality it is a very terrible condition, which is certainly not funny to be in. People prone to alcoholic delirium require urgent hospitalization, without which both the psyche and the physical condition of a person can seriously suffer.
Here are the most important facts about delirium tremens:
- “Delirium tremens” develops in people who have been suffering from alcoholism for four to seven years, more often in people prone to prolonged binges. Alcoholic delirium tremens rarely affects alcoholics with little experience, but this is also possible, the risk is especially high in people who regularly and in large quantities consume strong, low-quality alcohol.
- “Delirium tremens” occurs in sober people after abruptly stopping drinking alcohol, usually on the 2nd-4th day. Delirium usually lasts 3-6 days, but sometimes this period can be as long as two weeks. For a speedy recovery, you should consult a doctor immediately.
The most dangerous thing about delirium is the increased risk of injury and the possibility of unintentional suicide. Considering that a person is in an excited and unusual state, it is quite possible that, without controlling himself, he can injure himself or others. The mortality rate for alcoholic delirium is 3-5%. With improper treatment, there is a high probability of mental disorders.
Usually, the symptoms of alcoholic delirium appear on the second or third day of sobriety, and are divided into physical: dizziness, nausea, impaired coordination of movements, loss of appetite; and psychological: insomnia, apathy, anxiety, absent-mindedness and hallucinations. In the acute stage of delirium, all symptoms are exacerbated, they are most pronounced in the evening and at night, during the day a person can behave more or less adequately, but by the evening the symptoms become more noticeable.
In the best case, with “delirium tremens” all symptoms will pass in 3-4 days, and after a long sleep, the person will come to an adequate state. But still, it is better to seek help from doctors, in the absence of proper treatment, the risk of dying from “delirium tremens” increases many times. Therefore, if you notice that one of your relatives or friends has encountered this trouble, immediately call an ambulance, and until it arrives, carefully monitor the patient so that he does not cause physical harm to himself.
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