Delirium tremens: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services immediately if someone who has recently stopped or reduced alcohol develops confusion, severe agitation, hallucinations, a seizure, collapse, fever, difficulty breathing, or extreme shaking and sweating.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent medical advice before stopping alcohol if you may be physically dependent, especially if you have had withdrawal seizures, hallucinations, or DTs before.

   This is for planning a safer withdrawal, not a reason to continue drinking without support.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate after hospital discharge, even when recovery seems to be going well.

   It can cover sleep, mood, nutrition, memory, physical health, and longer-term alcohol treatment.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Delirium tremens. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.