Herb
Treatment Support
anti-anxiety
Application
tincture, tablet
Delirium tremens
Delirium Tremens (DTs): Overview and Etiologic Factors
Delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that typically occurs in people with a history of heavy, prolonged alcohol use, especially after abrupt cessation or significant reduction in alcohol intake. It is a medical emergency that can lead to serious complications if untreated.
Etiologic and Contributing Factors
- Alcohol Dependence: Prolonged, heavy use of alcohol is the primary risk factor.
- Abrupt Cessation or Reduced Intake: Sudden withdrawal triggers the body’s neurochemical imbalance.
- Previous Episodes of Withdrawal: A history of severe withdrawal increases the risk.
- Coexisting Conditions: Dehydration, malnutrition, liver dysfunction, or infections can exacerbate the risk.
- Medications or Substances: The use of sedatives, benzodiazepines, or withdrawal from these substances can also contribute.
Symptoms to Look Out For
- Early Signs: Anxiety, tremors, sweating, rapid heart rate, nausea.
- Severe Symptoms: Confusion, hallucinations, agitation, fever, high blood pressure, and seizures. These are hallmarks of DTs.
When to Seek Professional Help
- Immediate Help Needed:
- Seizures or loss of consciousness.
- Severe agitation or hallucinations.
- High fever, rapid heart rate, or significant confusion.
- Other Signs to Seek Care: Inability to stay hydrated, worsening symptoms despite attempts to manage at home, or any sign of secondary complications like infection or trauma.
Treatment Plan for Delirium tremens
When Home Care May Be Considered
Home treatment is generally not recommended for severe alcohol withdrawal or DTs. However, mild withdrawal symptoms may sometimes be managed at home with:
- Hydration and electrolyte replacement.
- Herbal remedies with calming properties (e.g., valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root, chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), or passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) for anxiety and restlessness.
- Adequate nutrition and rest.
Important Note: Always consult a healthcare provider before attempting home treatment, especially if symptoms worsen or if the individual has a history of severe withdrawal or medical complications.
Key Takeaway
Delirium tremens is life-threatening and requires immediate medical intervention. While mild withdrawal can sometimes be managed at home with careful monitoring, severe symptoms warrant urgent professional care to prevent complications like seizures, cardiac issues, or death.
Christopher Hobbs: “When treating alcoholism, it is important to taper the alcohol use off over 2 weeks so as not to shock the body. Appropriate herbal support would include nervous system tonics including wild oats (Avena sativa; A. fatua)Â and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum); relaxing herbs like valerian (Valeriana officinalis);Â and anti-anxiety herbs such as California poppy (Eschscholzia californica).”
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Herbal Remedies for Delirium tremens
Herb
Treatment Support
Application
Herb
Treatment Support
nervine, calmative
Application
tincture, capsule, tablet
Herb
Treatment Support
nerve tonic
Application
tincture, tea
Related Delirium tremens conditions
Additional Ailment
Herb
Application
No additional ailments found.
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
