Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can have an effect on both physical and mental health. In some cases, these health conditions can be extremely complex and severe – and even life-threatening. Both alcohol hallucinosis and delirium tremens are related to alcohol abuse and withdrawal and can become very dangerous if left untreated.
Here, we reveal everything there is to know about these two health conditions, their symptoms, the differences between them and explain what you can do if you’re worried about your own alcohol consumption or a loved one.
What is Alcohol Hallucinosis?
Alcohol hallucinosis is a rare alcohol-related health condition that occurs during or after a period of heaving drinking. It most often takes place when an individual who is addicted to alcohol tries to stop drinking alcohol abruptly or attempts to reduce their consumption suddenly.
As the name suggests, individuals experience acute auditory hallucinations as well as visual and tactile hallucinations, which can be very scary for the individual and the people around them.
Symptoms of Alcohol Hallucinosis
Symptoms of alcohol hallucinosis can vary from person to person but typically develop within 24 hours after the last drink. What’s more, these symptoms can vary in severity and length, lasting from a few days up to a few weeks.
The most common symptom is hallucinations, which can be auditory, visual or tactile. These hallucinations can be very scary and can even result in someone getting involved in dangerous situations.
The main difference between alcohol hallucinosis and other hallucinations associated with drug use and psychiatric disorders is that those experiencing hallucinations because of alcohol are typically aware that their hallucinations aren’t real.
The main symptoms of alcohol hallucinosis are:
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Insomnia
It’s important to be aware of these signs and symptoms as someone may need medical intervention and support if they are experiencing alcohol hallucinations, in order to manage it safely and effectively. If you are concerned that you may be suffering from it or are worried about a loved one, get help immediately.
What Are Delirium Tremens?
Delirium tremens (DTs) is a type of alcohol withdrawal which is very severe and even life-threatening. It most commonly develops 2-5 days after someone has stopped drinking alcohol and those who have drunk alcohol heavily for many years are most at risk of developing it.
This is why it is important that those addicted to alcohol slowly reduce their alcohol consumption or stop drinking under medical supervision, via a medically assisted detox programme.
Common Delirium Tremens Symptoms
Delirium Tremens can become very dangerous quickly, which is why it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of it. It can affect people differently but the most common warning signs that someone may have developed the condition include:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Irritability and agitation
- Shaking and tremors
- Alcohol hallucination symptoms – visual, auditory and tactile
- Rapid heart rate, fever and sweating
- Seizures
If left untreated, these symptoms can progress very quickly and therefore will require immediate medical attention. Therefore, if you believe you may be suffering from DTs or someone you care about, don’t wait to get help.
What Is The Difference Between Alcohol Hallucinosis and Delirium Tremens?
Both alcohol hallucinosis and DTs are complex medical conditions that can arise when someone who has consumed alcohol for a long time suddenly tries to stop or reduce their intake.
Both conditions can involve alcohol-induced hallucinations but there are huge differences between the two conditions and how they develop:
- Onset and duration: Alcohol hallucinosis most often develops soon after someone has stopped drinking or reduced their intake. It can last from a few days up to a few weeks. On the other hand, DTs set in a bit later – 2-5 days after drinking – and symptoms can quickly get worse.
- Awareness: With alcohol hallucinosis, individuals are usually aware that they are experiencing hallucinations which aren’t real. With DTs, this isn’t always the case and individuals can become very distressed and scared, unable to distinguish between reality and hallucination.
- Severity and range: DTs are more severe and include a variety of physical and mental symptoms. These can even be life-threatening if left untreated, like seizures. Alcohol hallucinogens usually only affect individuals psychologically but they can still be severe and challenging to deal with.
- Risk and management: DTs are considered a medical emergency because of their life-threatening nature. Typically, individuals will be hospitalised in order to manage the risks and severity of the consequences. In contrast, while serious, alcohol hallucinosis doesn’t usually present the same medical risk and can often be treated at home or with general medical care.
Being aware of the symptoms of both conditions and knowing the differences between the two, is often the first step in getting someone the help they need.
Help For Safe Alcohol Withdrawal
As mentioned, identifying the symptoms of delirium tremens and alcohol hallucinosis is the first step in getting help. However, it’s also important to be aware of the dangers of withdrawing from alcohol if someone has abused or been addicted to it for many years.
That’s where we come in at Rehab Clinics Group. We understand the challenges and risks associated with alcohol addiction and withdrawal and offer access to leading recovery programmes that give you a safe and supportive environment to recover and sustain sobriety.
From medically supervised alcohol detoxes to evidence-based therapy and counselling, we help individuals address their alcohol dependency in a calm and supportive atmosphere while treating physical and psychological aspects of addiction and providing you with strategies for resilience and recovery in the outside world.
Addiction, withdrawal and recovery aren’t straightforward roads but with us by your side, you can navigate each path with confidence and safety. So if you or someone you know is struggling with dependence, get in touch with the team at Rehab Clinics Group today.
If you have any questions about treatment available in your local area or just want to know what to expect, our friendly team are here to help – at every stage of your recovery journey.