Delirium tremens (colloquially, the DTs, "the horrors", "the shakes" or "rum fits") is a condition usually associated with complete alcohol withdrawal. However, delirium tremens can appear after a rapid reduction in the amount of alcohol being consumed by heavy drinkers, and also occurs as a complication of benzodiazepine and barbiturate withdrawal. It only occurs in individuals with a history of constant, long-term alcohol consumption. Delirium tremens typically manifests about 18 to 24 hours after discontinuation of alcohol consumption, but can appear on the second or third day of abstinence.

Five percent of acute ethanol withdrawal cases progress to delirium tremens^*. Unlike the withdrawal syndrome associated with opiate or stimulant addiction, delirium tremens (and alcohol withdrawal in general) can be fatal. Mortality can be up to 35% if untreated, though if treated early, death rates may be as low as 5%.