Delirium Tremens - Alcohol Withdrawal

What are the treatments for the condition?

The goals of treatment are to treat the immediate withdrawal symptoms, to prevent complications, and to begin long-term preventive treatment.

In mild forms of alcohol withdrawal, medicine may be given to make the person feel less agitated. A person with more severe forms of withdrawal needs to be hospitalized during the period of detoxification. The person is usually given central nervous system depressants and sedatives to reduce the symptoms.

Vitamin deficiency causes potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Healthcare providers in emergency departments usually give large intravenous doses of vitamins C and B, as well as thiamine. Close monitoring of the pulse, breathing, temperature, and blood pressure is important during the first stages of alcohol withdrawal.

After the urgent medical problems are resolved, a detoxification and rehabilitation program should be started. In the first phase of treatment, alcohol is completely withdrawn. Then an alcoholic has to change his or her behavior. Self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are encouraged.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects vary, depending on the medicines used. For instance, antidepressants may cause irritability and shakiness. Sedatives can be addicting.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

A person who completes treatment often will continue some form of counseling or self-help group. The individual will often voluntarily continue to attend self-help groups for the rest of his or her life. A person who starts drinking again will most likely go through alcohol withdrawal again.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.