What is a Delirium?
The American Heritage College dictionary states that delirium is “a temporary state of mental confusion and clouded consciousness, characterized by anxiety, hallucinations, trembling and incoherent speech”. It also tells us that it is “a state of uncontrolled excitement and emotion.”
Delirium can be a mental condition. It can be a cause of a stroke, aging, trauma and brain injury but it can also be brought on by withdrawal from alcohol and drugs that have been excessively used. In fact, sometimes it is only when an alcoholic or drug abuser has reached a point of delirium that others around him or her receive a “wake up call” and realize that their loved one has a serious problem.
Have you heard of an alcoholic referring to his withdrawal as having the DTs? This is abbreviated for Delirium Tremors, which is the state of mind the alcoholic finds himself in as his body is forced to withdraw physically from the alcohol within. This can lead to a medical situation so the DTs, delirium tremors, are encouraged to be handled in a residential type program so medical professionals are standing by when the alcoholic goes through these very physical and mental changes in his body.
Delirium is quite common with alcohol withdrawal but it can also occur in other drug related situations. When the police are called in where a drug situation exists, a lot of times the offender is in a state of delirium which is seen as hostile by the police. This has brought in the use of teasers at times but unfortunately, teasers can lead to fatal heart attacks in drug addicted offenders, earning the reputation of a catch-22 accessory in fighting crime.
Always err on the side of caution when dealing with a person in a state of delirium. Make sure there are medical personnel standing by so that the person can be treated immediately and effectively to counter the possibility of permanent damage or even death. Delirium is one of the most important side effects and reasons to go into a residential program versus an outpatient one.
