Hallucinations in alcoholics can be caused by a condition known as alcohol hallucinosis, which is a rare and severe form of alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol hallucinosis typically occurs in chronic alcoholics who abruptly stop or significantly reduce their alcohol consumption.
Detox to Rehab has created an online supportive community, where there are members who have struggled with alcohol withdrawal symptoms like hallucinosis. It is rare. The exact cause of alcohol hallucinosis is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to changes in the brain that occur as a result of long-term alcohol abuse. Specifically, alcohol affects the neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for regulating mood and perception, and when alcohol consumption is abruptly stopped, the brain may experience a rebound effect that leads to hallucinations.
Hallucinations may start to appear within 12 to 24 hours after the last drink and can last for several days. The symptoms may include visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations, which are usually vivid and may be frightening or distressing to the individual experiencing them.
Medical treatments used to manage alcohol hallucinosis
1. Benzodiazepines:
These are medications that can help reduce anxiety and agitation associated with alcohol withdrawal. They can also help prevent seizures.
2. Antipsychotics:
These medications are used to treat hallucinations and delusions. They work by blocking the effects of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with psychosis.
3. Vitamin B1 (thiamine):
Alcoholics are often deficient in this vitamin, and it is essential for proper brain function. Thiamine supplements can help prevent or treat Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a serious complication of alcoholism.
4. Supportive care:
Supportive care includes fluids and nutrition is essential. It will help them recuperate from withdrawal symptoms strongly associated with the craving for alcohol..
Alcohol hallucinosis is a serious condition that requires treatment under medical supervision. The person experiencing alcohol hallucinosis must seek immediate medical care.
Hallucinations can also occur in alcoholics when they drink excessively. This is because alcohol is a psychoactive substance that can alter perception and lead to hallucinations at high doses.
Overall, hallucinations in alcoholics can be a sign of serious alcohol-related health problems and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Treatment includes medications, supervised-detoxification, and individual/group therapy. Everything is focused in coping with the withdrawal symptoms and preventing a relapse.