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Suggest Treatment For Alcoholic Hallucinosis

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Posted on Thu, 2 Jun 2016
Question: Let me begin by saying I am an alcoholic. I have had multiple periods of sobriety, but seem to slip up more frequently. Most recently I went on a 10 day binge, about 2 pints of whiskey per day. A day or 2 after I sobered up, I was talking to a fellow employee and for a split second felt extremely lightheaded and like I was going to pass out. This has happened to me several times before, but I always quickly recovered. This time was different. I haven’t felt normal since that particular incident. I feel lightheaded most of the time and slightly off balance, with occasional ringing in the ears. It seems like caffeine and smoking makes the symptoms worse. Also, after about a week without a drink I went on another 5 day binge. During that time it felt like the symptoms I described went away. Now after 3 days sober, the same symptoms have returned. By the way I have no other health issues other than the alcoholism.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It seems alcoholic hallucinosis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

read your query and understand your concerns.

from the available description it appears to me that you developed alcoholic hallucinosis a kind of perceptual disorder which develops after years of alcohol abuse.

Most of the time symptoms appear when the person is sober and withdrawing from alcohol but over the time symptoms may present irrespective of alcohol intake or not.

I feel it will be appropriate to stop alcohol completely as continued use likely to worsen problem over time rather than offering any help.

In addition you need to see a psychiatrist for treatment of current condition.

I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (25 minutes later)
Does alcoholic hallucinosis present itself with the physical symptoms I described? Lightheadedness, dizziness, unsteady gait, ringing in the ears?

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes it can happen but it is not final diagnosis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

Alcoholic hallucinosis is a disorder where vivid auditory hallucinations are present although presence or absence of other symptoms can occur. The symptoms of light hotheadedness, dizziness can occur but not common.

For the final diagnosis you need to see a doctor in your city as what I suggested with this available piece of information could not be comprehensive and there are lot more details required before reaching final diagnosis.

I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3347 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Alcoholic Hallucinosis

Brief Answer: It seems alcoholic hallucinosis Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for using Healthcaremagic. read your query and understand your concerns. from the available description it appears to me that you developed alcoholic hallucinosis a kind of perceptual disorder which develops after years of alcohol abuse. Most of the time symptoms appear when the person is sober and withdrawing from alcohol but over the time symptoms may present irrespective of alcohol intake or not. I feel it will be appropriate to stop alcohol completely as continued use likely to worsen problem over time rather than offering any help. In addition you need to see a psychiatrist for treatment of current condition. I hope this helps you. If you have more questions feel free to write back to me. Thanks and regards.