Yes. Heavy drinkers may be at risk of delirium during periods of withdrawal. This type of delirium, known as delirium tremens, usually starts a few days after drinking is stopped. In addition to classic delirium symptoms like agitation, confusion, and hallucinations, delirium tremens can also trigger physical symptoms like high blood pressure, sweating, and fever. Delirium tremens can cause seizures and may even be fatal, so anyone experiencing symptoms should seek treatment immediately. It’s also important for heavy drinkers to seek medical supervision for a period of detoxification, as it’s not easy to tell who will experience life-threatening symptoms and whose will be merely unpleasant.
To learn more about alcohol withdrawal, visit the Addiction Center.