About this topic
Delirium tremens are often called DTs. These may happen when you drink large amount of alcohol each day and then stop drinking all at once. You may become very confused, shaky, upset, sweaty, or nervous. If you have DTs, you need to see a doctor right away. Care may include drugs and lifestyle changes. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Make family and friends aware of your health problem. Talk to them about how to help. Try to reach out to other people. It is good to have someone who will support you.
- Learn how to cope with stress without drinking. These things may help you when you have the urge to drink:
- Share how you think and feel with family and friends. They may also help find things to draw you away from drinking.
- Do something you enjoy like reading, exercise, watching a movie, playing with a pet, or doing a hobby.
- Take time to relax. Listen to music, meditate, or get a massage. When you are relaxed, you feel much better and are able to think more clearly.
- Be honest with yourself. Admit to yourself that you have a problem. Do not be ashamed that you are doing something to recover from it.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Join a support group like AA. Spend time with people who understand the things you are going through. They may help you learn what to do. Share ideas and thoughts with them. You will also learn what others may have done to deal with stress.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Keep you calm
- Stop tremors
- Treat worry and low mood
- Ease signs of withdrawal
- Provide vitamins
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activity may not be limited. Getting regular exercise, lots of sleep, and keeping busy helps you feel better. When you feel well, drinking may be less tempting. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Injury to self or others
- Seizures
- Liver or heart damage
- High blood pressure
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid places, people, or situations that bring up thoughts of drinking. Avoid going to bars and clubs.
- Do not hang out with friends you used to drink with. Mingle with people who do not drink and who can support your recovery.
- Do not keep alcohol at home, in your car, or at work. Throw away all alcohol.
- Talk to your family or children about hidden issues. Drinking may be the result of other problems.
- Attend your regular support group.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- You feel you may hurt yourself or someone else
- You feel you are going to start drinking again
- You have a seizure
- You have confusion that lasts longer than 10 minutes
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how I will cope with stress and how I plan to stay sober.
- I can tell you what I will do if I feel I might hurt myself or someone else.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm ‚
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism ‚
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚