‘Dreaming While Awake’ – A Terrifying Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom - Warned by Experts
A potentially life-threatening condition known as delirium tremens (DTs), characterized by severe hallucinations and nervous system overactivity, can occur when someone abruptly stops drinking alcohol, experts warn. While frequently enough associated with teh dramatic depictions of withdrawal in film,the reality of DTs is far from fictional – and can be genuinely terrifying.
The condition arises from a neurological “tug-of-war” within the body,as explained by the Cleveland Clinic. Alcohol is a depressant, slowing down central nervous system (CNS) activity. Over time, the CNS compensates by increasing activity to maintain normal function. Suddenly halting alcohol consumption removes the depressant effect, leaving the CNS overstimulated and unable to quickly return to a balanced state. This imbalance can disrupt automatic bodily processes.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Your central nervous system controls your body’s automatic processes like breathing and heart rate. Alcohol is a depressant, so it slows down this activity.Your CNS is on the other side of the rope pulling back by increasing its own activity to keep things running. Over time, your CNS adjusts and sees that increased activity level as its new normal. If you suddenly stop drinking, its like the alcohol side letting go of the rope. Suddenly, your CNS doesn’t have to pull back against alcohol to keep activity at a proper level. But your CNS can’t bring its activity level down quickly. That means your CNS is much more active than needed, to the point that it negatively affects automatic body processes.This causes DTs.”
DTs manifest in alarming symptoms including hallucinations, seizures, and tremors. For individuals struggling with alcohol dependence and considering sobriety, experts strongly advise a gradual reduction in consumption rather than abrupt cessation to mitigate the risk of experiencing this hazardous side effect.
Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am-8pm weekdays and 11am-4pm weekends for advice and support.
