How Long Will Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Last During Delirium Tremens?

Every person’s withdrawal syndrome is different, and especially with a severe syndrome like delirium tremens, it is important to be aware of your particular situation and needs. But generally how long will alcohol withdrawal symptoms last during delirium tremens? If you need help for alcohol withdrawal or addiction, call 800-481-6965 (Who Answers?) now.

No Two Patients…

No two individuals are alike when it comes to the treatment of addiction (National Institute on Drug Abuse). This is also true of withdrawal.

Depending on an individual’s personal symptoms, whether or not they are on medication, what type of treatment program they are in, and a number of other variables, every individual patient will likely have their own withdrawal length.

It is important that an individual with severe withdrawal symptoms is treated for as long as necessary until these issues begin to subside. This is especially true of a person undergoing delirium tremens.

When Do the Symptoms Start?

Delirium tremens is dangerous to undergo alone.

According to the National Library of Medicine, “Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually occur within 8 hours after the last drink, but can occur days later. Symptoms usually peak by 24 to 72 hours, but may go on for weeks.” Unfortunately, though, the symptoms caused by delirium tremens can come on a little differently.

Usually, an individual’s more severe symptoms will begin within the first 72 hours of withdrawal (NLM). If these symptoms do not occur during this period, it is likely that an individual will not actually experience delirium tremens at all.

However, on rare occasions, it can take up to 10 days for the more severe symptoms to actually surface. Therefore, one must be extremely careful during their alcohol withdrawal, especially if they do not know whether or not they are going to experience delirium tremens.

How Long Might the Symptoms Last?

It can take a long time for a person to go through delirium tremens and, eventually, to stop experiencing these severe symptoms. Often, the individual is put under sedation for as long as necessary with benzodiazepines or another type of drug.

The main concern for healthcare providers during this time is to save the patient’s life and to keep the individual calm (which is why sedation is usually the safest option).

Since symptoms can start anywhere from in the first 72 hours after one’s last drink to 10 days after, doctors and nurses must be vigilant and patients must be as well. Signs of delirium tremens can occur at any time and may last for days, even weeks. Sedation could prolong one’s time in this syndrome, but medication should be used as quickly as possible if one is experiencing or likely to experience seizures or other severe withdrawal symptoms, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

In general, if you are suffering from a syndrome as severe as delirium tremens, you are likely to need intense treatment that will, usually, last at least several weeks before you can begin treatment for alcoholism.

Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment Options

Is There Any Way to Know for Sure How Long the Symptoms Will Last?

Talking to a doctor or another healthcare provider and getting their expert medical opinion is usually the best way to get an idea of how long your symptoms might last. Unfortunately, though, every individual is different, and it is difficult to know for certain exactly how long one’s withdrawal will last until it is happening.

If you believe you are in danger of experiencing delirium tremens, you should seek help right away and not stop drinking suddenly without beginning the treatment you need.

It is important for you to take the necessary time to work through delirium tremens, as it is such a dangerous syndrome, before you begin your actual rehab program for alcohol addiction. It is very important to attend professional rehab as well, but maintaining stabilization and ensuring your safe recovery from this severe withdrawal syndrome should come first.

Do You Need Alcohol Withdrawal and Addiction Treatment?

Do not wait for the symptoms of delirium tremens to take hold. If you believe you are in danger of experiencing this severe syndrome, call 800-481-6965 (Who Answers?) today to find a rehab program where you can safely navigate the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and then be treated for addiction.