Why do you say that? Are they usually kept in Wake County Jail until trial and not moved? If it's a matter of DTs seems like the jail could handle that. Maybe the jail is just way over crowded.
I really don't know anything about what happens to them after they go to jail.
Delirium Tremens: Usually happens with alcoholics who are daily drinkers, and that can be beer or hard liquor, and it happens usually after 48 hours from the last drink. Some of the manifestations are: tremor of the hands, an exaggerated startle reflex, profuse sweating, confusion, agitation, restlessness,
and from there it goes downhill into auditory or visual hallucinations. These patients can develop seizures if they are not medically managed well, and most who try to go through this "cold turkey" end up coming to me for a visit. There are quite meticulous protocols these days at some hospitals and the patient is "graded" quite frequently on his symptom manifestations. In addition to drugs for sedation, pain and anxiety, these patients may be restrained physically by means of a vest, wrist, or ankle restraints, or a combination. It is a very challenging patient to care for, but one of my favorite types of nursing, because with the right protocols in place, improvement is seen and these patients tend to be among the nicest and most appreciative when they are in their right mind. However, it is a serious condition, and often these patients spiral downward into respiratory problems along with the other problems they have which may include acute kidney failure, hypertension, etc. In the intensive care setting, these patients may do well, depending on the damage already done to the liver. Bleeding from esophageal varices is one of the serious side effects we see, along with hepatic encephalopathy. You would be surprised at how much work and care is given to someone with this condition, however, i have to say, i enjoy it.:Banane10:
