Delirium tremens << dih LIHR ee uhm TREE muhnz >>, often called the DT’s, is a nervous and mental disturbance caused by acute withdrawal from alcohol or from drugs called benzodiazepines. People who abruptly quit drinking alcoholic beverages after prolonged or heavy alcohol use often suffer DT’s. They become markedly disturbed, developing confusion, trouble paying attention, tremors or shakes, sweating, and insomnia within 48 to 72 hours. They may have brief but terrifying hallucinations. Symptoms can last 3 to 10 days. Delirium tremens is the most dangerous type of alcohol withdrawal. It can cause death from pneumonia or heart failure. Physicians treat it by keeping away alcohol and giving the patient decreasing amounts of benzodiazepines. See also Alcoholism; Benzodiazepine.
