Addiction, Recovery Forum - Why Does Alcohol Cause Hallucinations Even Hours Later?

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Have you had hallucinations after ingesting just alcohol?

Yes, many times
Never
Only when I was very drunk

0% [ 0 ]

75% [ 3 ]

25% [ 1 ]

Total Votes : 4

Q: Why Does Alcohol Cause Hallucinations Even Hours Later?

asked by: Water Falling Gently on August 12th, 2007

New User

I never had hallucinations, hangovers, vomitting, headaches when I was in college and drank like a fish. Later, after several life tragedies, I began drinking again. There were physical consequences at 30: I got nauseous, headaches, fatigued and tired. I couldn't go on with life as if I'd done nothing to my body the way I did at 20. I experienced internal pain, withdrawls, dizziness, 'the room spinning,' and EVEN HALLUCINATIONS.

Why does alcohol cause hallucinations? I had some hallucinations 12 hours after my last drink. I'd even 'slept it off.' This really freaked me out. I'm glad there are consequences, now. I got off too easy binge drinking in college. Now, I have deterents.

In college, I was always the coolest. Never hungover. Never looked drunk. I could "hold my liquor." Now, about the same weight, I don't think as clearly, my body doesn't hold up well, and I'm even hallucinating. I know all this is bad, and it is a wake up call. It's time to stop and I am, but does anybody know why I experience these symptoms now?

Replies(3)

shadowalker164

replied on August 13th, 2007

Experienced User

CHC… I drank like a fish for years, but I never hallucinated. I have heard guys in AA meetings tell stories of the DT’s Delirium tremens. That is something that does happen to us. But from what I hear, they are more like nightmares than what I think of as hallucinations. I have tripped many times, and what guys tell me, DT are nothing like that. Much more scary.

Also, DT’s can be fatal, people die from alcohol withdrawal.

Just my two cents worth, but no matter what the source, getting sober is probably a good idea. And Alcoholics Anonymous is an excellent place to do that.

Richard

caleb1012

replied on October 9th, 2009

New User

Hallucinations from alcohol consumption or withdrawal don't occur in a large percentage of alcoholics. The majority of alcoholics don't experience this. At least that is what I have heard.

The fact that you are having hallucinations from alcohol use or withdrawal strongly suggests that you are alcoholic. Hallucinations typically only occur when the disease is relatively advanced.

If you are at this point you need to get help ASAP. Make a phone call to your local AA group.

One last thing, the fact that you had high tolerance to alcohol when you were young only signified that you were much more likely to suffer from alcohol dependence later in life.

I am not a medical doctor but I think you need to get help quickly. Just my opinion.

caleb1012

replied on October 9th, 2009

New User

I wanted to say a couple more things. Go to your doctor, maybe even a psychiatrist. Let them know what is going on with you. Get into a local AA group, be honest with yourself, be open minded, and work the AA program.

If you are having hallucinations it may not be long until you are having full blown seizures.

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