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Alcohol consumption is generally associated with relaxation and fun, but excessive drinking can have terrifying consequences for your physical and mental health. One of the lesser-known and incredibly frightening conditions linked to alcohol abuse is alcoholic hallucinosis—a unique disorder that leads to auditory and visual hallucinations.
If you or your loved ones have been hearing and seeing things that are not there after a heavy night of drinking, it may be time to dig deeper into the symptoms, causes, and treatments of alcoholic hallucinosis. In our guide, we will cover the main facts you need to know about alcoholic hallucinosis and offer proven ways to resolve this problem.
What is Alcoholic Hallucinosis
Alcoholic hallucinosis is a mental health disorder that develops due to alcohol misuse. Individuals who suffer from this condition may start hearing, seeing, and feeling things that are not real—these false perceptions are called hallucinations. While this disorder is not common, affecting less than 0.1% of people in the country, it may still occur after particularly heavy drinking.
It is important to distinguish between alcoholic hallucinosis and alcohol withdrawal delirium, known as delirium tremens—these two conditions are distinct. Hallucinosis may take place during the period of alcohol consumption as well as a few days after a person stops drinking, while delirium is associated with the withdrawal only.
Pacific Coast Mental Health
Symptoms of Alcoholic Hallucinosis
Here are the main symptoms of alcoholic hallucinosis you should look out for:
- Auditory Hallucinations. A person may hear quiet or loud noises that have no external source—for instance, it is possible to “hear” several voices that engage in conversation, comment on the person’s actions, or blame the individual for various things.
- Visual Hallucinations. Although this symptom is less common compared to auditory hallucinations, some people may also see things that are not there—for example, it may seem there is an intruder in the house when in reality the person is alone at home.
- Physical Symptoms. In addition to hallucinations, the person may feel unwell and exhibit certain symptoms such as sweating, shakiness, nausea, increased heart rate, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Causes of Alcoholic Hallucinosis
The exact cause of alcoholic hallucinosis is still unknown; however, several factors increase the risk of this disorder:
- Long-term Alcohol Abuse. If a person has been drinking heavily for several years, it will negatively affect their brain function and may lead to hallucinations.
- Pre-existing Mental Health Issues. People that suffered from depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia in the past are at risk—alcohol abuse may exacerbate their condition and lead to hallucinosis.
- Personal History. If a person’s parents struggled with alcohol addiction, it may make them more prone to the same addiction and disorders associated with it, including alcoholic hallucinosis.
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Diagnosis of Alcoholic Hallucinosis
Only a healthcare provider or a mental health professional is qualified to diagnose alcoholic hallucinosis. If you suspect either you or someone you care about is experiencing this disorder, reach out to a doctor.
The doctor will inquire about the patient’s history of alcohol consumption and examine their symptoms to determine whether they have hallucinosis. In certain cases, it may be necessary to carry out a brain scan to rule out other medical conditions that may be causing the hallucinations.
Treatment for Alcoholic Hallucinosis
Fortunately, it is possible to treat alcoholic hallucinosis and help the individual restore their health. Here are a few treatment options to consider:
- Stop Drinking. The best way to resolve this issue is to quit alcohol—in most cases hallucinations will go away within a week after the person stops drinking.
- Undergo Therapy. A therapist will be able to help the patient address the root cause of their addiction and develop coping mechanisms that will allow them to give up alcohol.
- Take medication. There are various drugs designed to assist a person struggling with alcohol addiction and hallucinosis—consult with your doctor and follow their prescription.
FAQs
What is alcoholic hallucinosis?
Alcoholic hallucinosis is a mental health disorder that occurs due to alcohol abuse—people who suffer from this condition start hearing and seeing things that are not there.
What are the symptoms of alcoholic hallucinosis?
The main symptoms of alcoholic hallucinosis are auditory and visual hallucinations as well as physical symptoms such as nausea and tremors.
How long does alcoholic hallucinosis last?
In most cases, alcoholic hallucinosis will resolve on its own within a few days as soon as the person stops drinking.
Can alcoholic hallucinosis be treated?
Yes, it is possible to treat alcoholic hallucinosis—patients should give up alcohol, go to therapy, and take medication prescribed by their doctor.
Is alcoholic hallucinosis the same as delirium tremens?
While these two disorders have similar symptoms, alcoholic hallucinosis and delirium tremens are not the same—the former may occur during alcohol consumption and after the person quits drinking.
Pacific Coast Mental Health
Reach Out to Pacific Coast Mental Health for Help
We hope that our guide was helpful and you learned more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of alcoholic hallucinosis. This rare disorder may significantly affect the life of the person who drinks and those around them, but fortunately, there is a way to manage it and return to normal life.
Are you looking for a mental health professional to diagnose alcoholic hallucinosis and develop a personalized treatment plan? Get in touch with Pacific Coast Mental Health! Our specialists will be able to support you on your journey to recovery from alcoholic hallucinosis—you can call us or book an appointment via our website.
