$Unique_ID{BRK00625}
$Pretitle{Mental and Emotional Conditions}
$Title{How do the DT's Work?}
$Subject{DT's alcohol withdrawal}
$Volume{E-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How do the DT's Work?


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QUESTION:  They always show the alcoholic who can't get a drink, going through
all kinds of distress and shakes on the TV detective shows.  I suppose it is
suppose to represent the DT's but I don't understand how the DT's work.  Can
you explain the DT's to me?  Is it as bad as some people make out that it is?

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ANSWER:  DT's or Delirium Tremens is a severe withdrawal syndrome that occurs
when chronic alcoholics no longer have access to alcohol, and its a
frightening "real life" situation.  It begins with anxiety attacks, poor
sleep, and often a profound depression.  The patient becomes increasingly
confused and may sweat profusely.  In the confused and disoriented state,
hallucinations occur which are frightening to the patient and visual
hallucinations, often involving animals, may terrorize the patient.  As the
DT's continue, the hand may begin to shake, and sometimes even the head and
trunk are affected by this tremor.  It is not a pleasant thing to watch and
medical care must be obtained immediately.  Sedatives, tranquilizers, and
intravenous fluid therapy may all be necessary to successfully raise the
patient out of this nightmare situation.  I am not sure these depictions are
helping anyone, although most of the TV I see these days use the withdrawal
from drugs in the same way.  And the withdrawal syndrome is a very similar
one, although the treatment may vary just a bit.  If it passes on the lesson
that drugs can lead to some horrifying experiences, than I would have to
endorse these depictions.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
