In the ER with Delirium Tremens

[WorriedGF875]

Hello,
After fighting for months about his drinking my boyfriend finally decided to quit drinking alcohol. After not drinking for two days or so he got delirium tremens; hallucinations, sweating, tremors the whole works. Currently he is in the ER being treated and is slowly coming back to his old self. However, no one has told him as to why he ended up in the hospital, I figure if the doctors haven’t told him that I shouldn’t either. During his delirium tremens state he saw A LOT of hallucinations including angels that he thought wanted to kill him. Anyways, I went to visit him yesterday (he was admitted on Sunday morning and yesterday was March 23rd Monday) and he still believes that all of his hallucinations were absolutely real. I know he hasn’t had a long time to recover…however I am worried, because he is very stubborn, that he will continue to think that the hallucinations were real, basically keep thinking that angels are out to kill him. So if anyone knows how long the delirium tremens lasts? How will we explain to him that what he saw was not real? What are the long-term effects of delirium tremens, does it change his mental abilities, damage his heart….??? What should I expect and how can I help him through this rough time? Any help is appreciated help!!
Thank you!

[LORDINEEDHELP]

boogie is right with what he says honesty is the best way to deal with this why lie and if your not honest with him he will never realize what this could do to him or why would you want to not tell him the truth may be qanother question you may need to ask yourself (im not trying to be rude) i live with an alacholic and i have always been severly and bluntly honest no other way hope all is well and he gets the help he needs and deserves
take care

[boogieman]

hello. no one has told him why he is in the hospital? has he not asked? why on earth would you not tell him what he said and did as it was a direct result of his alcohol dependency according to the information given. what kind of hospital is he in? why on earth would he not be told that his nervous system went into hyperdrive resulting in this stuff? the acute symptoms pass within a few days, but there is also the risk of seizures (i had one after being sober a week-----and i was driving), cardiac arrest and stroke. the attending physician should be aware of his history in order to prevent these complications, which can be treated symptomatically. right now, knowledge is power and it's obvious that the cat is out of the bag, so to speak. everyone's cards need to be on the table to give him the best chance at recovery. and this is but the beginning of a journey. best wishes and keep me posted to his progress and/or if you have more questions. take care,  gm