can you get dts after just 5-6 months of heavy drinking?
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Join Date: Jul 2014
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can you get dts after just 5-6 months of heavy drinking?
I've been drinking about 8 500ml cans a day of beer for upto 6 months and get the shakes by late afternoon the day after if I don't drink. Could I be at risk of dts after this amount of time? I plan on stopping after this weekend
Sober since 10th April 2012
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 6,047
Hi it's me. Most of us here are only experts on ourselves and there are as many experiences as there are SR members.
If you are sensitive to withdrawal it's essential to see a doctor about it. Why? Well in some cases sudden withdrawal can cause dangerously high blood pressure and there is the possibility of strokes.
Put aside any shame or idea of doing it on your own, and get the right medical advice. It can also give you a much better chance of succeeding.
If you are sensitive to withdrawal it's essential to see a doctor about it. Why? Well in some cases sudden withdrawal can cause dangerously high blood pressure and there is the possibility of strokes.
Put aside any shame or idea of doing it on your own, and get the right medical advice. It can also give you a much better chance of succeeding.
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Join Date: May 2014
Location: Washington, MO
Posts: 2,306
Talk to a doc. 5% of all medical detoxes have DT's--usually daily, very heavy, long term drinkers. Lots of other Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome symptoms come with cold turkey quitting so if you have the means, find a doc who knows and cares--most don't. Abrupt cessation can cause permanent damage as well as long recovery periods of PAWS. Shakes and sweats are NOT DT's.
Sober since 10th April 2012
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 6,047
Itsme, don't try and second guess the doctors. Just tell them the truth about everything, and let them take care of it.
You don't want to end up having a stroke. It could cause permanent damage.
You don't want to end up having a stroke. It could cause permanent damage.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: LA - Lower Alabama
Posts: 5,068
Shakes is not the same as DTs. DT does not stand for detox as many people believe. It is for Delirium Tremens (Latin for crazy tremors), and if you had DTs, there is a good possibility you'd never even know it unless someone else witnessed it. Also if you were actively in DTs you wouldn't be able to carry on a coherent conversation or post on a forum. Here is a good article on it:
Delirium tremens: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
All that said, you need see a Dr., as you are certainly having tough withdrawal symptoms and DTs could be next. There is nothing to fear here, many of us have been through this. The Dr. will check your vitals and make appropriate medicines available. In my case I was prescribed an anti-anxiety, an anti-convulsant and high BP meds, plus an IV to stabilize my body chemistry and rehydrate. It was much comfortable than detoxing at home.
The biggest thing is to be 100% truthful with the Dr. and nurses. Don't hold anything back.
Delirium tremens: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
All that said, you need see a Dr., as you are certainly having tough withdrawal symptoms and DTs could be next. There is nothing to fear here, many of us have been through this. The Dr. will check your vitals and make appropriate medicines available. In my case I was prescribed an anti-anxiety, an anti-convulsant and high BP meds, plus an IV to stabilize my body chemistry and rehydrate. It was much comfortable than detoxing at home.
The biggest thing is to be 100% truthful with the Dr. and nurses. Don't hold anything back.
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