Alcohol has profound effects on both the brain and body. One of the visible signs of alcohol dependence is experiencing alcohol shakes, which commonly occur during withdrawal. These tremors can be a strong indicator of addiction. For many individuals in this situation, undergoing alcohol detox is crucial to safely manage and overcome withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol shakes, or tremors, typically manifest as involuntary shaking of the hands or other parts of the body. They occur when the body, accustomed to regular alcohol intake, reacts to the sudden absence of alcohol. This reaction is part of the withdrawal process and can be distressing and uncomfortable for those experiencing it.

Recognizing alcohol shakes as a potential symptom of addiction is important. In this article, you will learn:

  • What alcohol shakes are
  • What causes them
  • How long do the shakes last
  • How to treat and cope with alcohol tremors

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse, please contact First Step Behavioral Health today to explore your treatment options.

What are Alcohol Shakes?

Alcohol shakes, also known as tremors, are involuntary trembling or shaking of the hands, arms, legs, or other parts of the body that can occur when someone dependent on alcohol abruptly reduces their alcohol intake or stops drinking altogether. These shakes are a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which occurs as the body adjusts to functioning without alcohol.

If you are experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms like shakes or tremors, you should seek help from a medical detox program. At First Step, we can prescribe medications to limit the withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol dependence and alcohol use disorder, keeping you comfortable and safe throughout the detox process.

Why Do Alcohol Shakes Occur?

Alcohol, as a depressant, enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is responsible for calming the brain. Along with the sedative effects, it also reduces the effects of glutamate, which promotes excitability.

With excessive alcohol consumption, the brain adjusts to these effects. It produces less GABA and increases glutamate production to counterbalance alcohol’s depressive effects. When alcohol use is abruptly reduced or stopped, this delicate balance is disrupted, and brain activity is no longer suppressed by alcohol, leading to increased glutamate activity and decreased GABA activity. The brain, now hyperexcited due to excess glutamate and reduced GABA, can cause various symptoms, including alcohol shakes and other withdrawal symptoms.

These tremors originate from the brain’s struggle to regulate muscle movement without the calming influence of alcohol. They are a clear sign of withdrawal and indicate a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. Professional assistance, such as medical detoxification programs, can help manage tremors and other withdrawal symptoms safely and prevent more severe effects such as seizures.

How Long Do Alcohol Shakes Last?

How long alcohol shakes last during alcohol withdrawal is influenced by factors such as the amount and duration of alcohol use, as well as individual metabolism. Typically, these tremors begin within 5 to 12 hours after the last drink and may gradually increase in intensity.

Tremors often peak around 24 to 48 hours into withdrawal and then gradually diminish. Throughout this period, individuals may also experience other alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including: 

  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Muscle and bone discomfort
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Elevated blood pressure

Most people find that alcohol withdrawal shakes resolve within a few days of abstaining from alcohol. However, it’s important to note that the cessation of shakes does not mean one has recovered from alcohol addiction. Professional assistance, appropriate treatment, and ongoing support are often necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively and address underlying issues.

Acute alcohol withdrawal should be managed by a medical detox center. These programs offer medical treatment to ensure that you remain safe during withdrawal and avoid severe symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens (DTs). Because alcohol affects every area of your body, detox and medical treatment are a vital first step towards recovery. 

How to Stop Alcohol Tremors

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix to stop alcohol shakes. Your body needs to work through this withdrawal process, which requires no longer drinking alcohol at all. However, you should not take withdrawal shakes lightly. Alcohol withdrawal can become severe and potentially dangerous, so it’s important to seek professional help.

Seeking professional help and medical supervision is essential. Medical detoxification programs offer supervised environments where healthcare professionals can monitor your condition and provide medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, including tremors. This approach ensures your comfort and safety.

Other ways to cope with your symptoms, manage your body’s reaction, and calm your nervous system include:

  • Staying hydrated
  • Deep breathing exercises (work to help regulate the nervous system)
  • Eating nutritious meals
  • Getting plenty of rest
  • Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises
  • Leaning on friends and family for support
  • Engaging in activities you enjoy or healthy distractions
  • Talking to a therapist or healthcare professional

How are Alcohol Tremors Treated During Medical Detox?

During medical detox for alcohol withdrawal, alcohol tremors are typically managed through a combination of medical supervision, medications, and supportive care. Since tremors are a common and often distressing symptom of alcohol withdrawal, it’s essential to receive professional help to safely manage and alleviate them.

Medical detox centers use the following techniques to address alcohol tremors and prevent seizures or other withdrawal symptoms during peak intensity:

  1. Medications: Medical professionals may prescribe medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms, including alcohol tremors. These can include benzodiazepines, which help to calm the nervous system and reduce the intensity of tremors by mimicking alcohol’s sedative effects on the brain. Other medications may also be used to address specific symptoms or complications associated with alcohol withdrawal.
  2. Hydration and Nutrition: Staying hydrated and maintaining proper nutrition can help the body cope better during detox. Dehydration and poor nutrition can worsen tremors and other withdrawal symptoms. A balanced diet with essential vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins and magnesium, can support the nervous system and help ease physical discomfort.

  3. Rest and Relaxation: Getting plenty of rest and engaging in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help calm the nervous system. This can reduce the severity of alcohol tremors and other symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia. Professional detox programs often offer a calming, supervised environment conducive to rest and recovery.
  4. Constant Monitoring: Detox programs provide continuous monitoring to ensure that withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, do not escalate into more severe complications like seizures or delirium tremens (DTs). In severe cases, additional interventions, such as intravenous fluids or emergency care, may be necessary.
  5. Psychological Support: Alcohol tremors are not only a physical symptom but can also be mentally and emotionally distressing. Psychological support, including counseling and therapy, is often included in detox programs to help individuals manage the emotional toll of withdrawal and address the underlying addiction issues.

By managing alcohol tremors within a medical detox program, individuals can safely navigate the withdrawal process, minimize discomfort, and lay the foundation for long-term recovery.

Alcohol Shakes vs Delirium Tremens (DTs)

Alcohol shakes, also known as tremors, and delirium tremens (DTs) are both symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, but they differ significantly in severity and potential risks. Delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal (also considered a withdrawal complication) characterized by sudden and severe changes in mental status and neurological function. While shakes can begin 5 to 12 hours after the last drink and are fairly common, DTs typically begin 48 to 72 hours after the last drink and are relatively rare.

Symptoms of DTs include:

  • Agitation
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Fever
  • Sweating
  • Seizures

DTs can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It requires immediate medical attention and is considered an emergency. Alcohol shakes or tremors, on the other hand, are typically not an emergency, nor are they life-threatening. However, severe tremors could indicate worsening withdrawal symptoms and are a reason to consult with a medical provider. Getting treatment for alcohol withdrawal early can prevent progression into seizures or DTs.

Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

Seeking treatment early on can prevent severe withdrawal symptoms from developing as a result of long-term alcohol abuse. 

Common signs of alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder include: 

  • Inability to limit alcohol consumption or unsuccessful attempts to cut down.
  • Strong urges or cravings to drink alcohol.
  • Development of tolerance (needing more alcohol to achieve the same effects) and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.
  • Prioritizing drinking over responsibilities at work, school, or home.
  • Continuing to drink despite knowing it causes physical or psychological problems.
  • Reduced interest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyable, except those involving alcohol.
  • Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of alcohol.
  • Experiencing problems in relationships, social withdrawal, or conflicts due to alcohol use.
  • Minimizing or denying the severity of drinking behaviors and their impact on oneself and others.
  • Using alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotions.
  • Gradual increase in the amount or frequency of alcohol consumption over time.
  • Unsuccessful efforts to control or stop drinking.

The sooner you seek help, the easier it is to stop. If you want to overcome alcohol misuse and live an alcohol-free life, it’s important to seek professional help. Treatment for alcohol is vital due to several factors, including overcoming physical symptoms of withdrawal stemming from chronic alcohol misuse.

Find Help for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome And Get Connected to Addiction Treatment Now 

When you are addicted to alcohol, your central nervous system becomes dependent on it. While alcoholism can negatively impact your mental health, it can also lead to severe physical reactions like withdrawal tremors, delirium tremens, and other serious complications. Thankfully, medical detox centers and addiction treatment programs can help you overcome alcohol use disorder and begin the recovery journey. 

It’s not wise to try and stop using alcohol on your own if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Instead, it is best to work with a treatment center that can help monitor your symptoms and provide you with medications or holistic care that may help you through the process. For more information, please contact us today.

FAQ: Alcohol Shakes and Detox

1. Can alcohol shakes happen even if I’ve only been drinking for a short time?

Yes, alcohol shakes can occur even with short-term alcohol use, especially if someone has developed a dependency. The frequency and intensity of tremors depend on the individual’s body, their drinking history, and how much alcohol they regularly consume. If you’ve been drinking heavily, even for a relatively short period, it’s important to seek professional help to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.

2. Are alcohol shakes dangerous?

Alcohol shakes themselves are generally not life-threatening, but they can be uncomfortable and signal more serious withdrawal symptoms. If tremors escalate into severe symptoms, such as confusion, hallucinations, or seizures, it could indicate a more serious condition like delirium tremens (DTs), which requires immediate medical attention. Medical detox helps manage these risks.

3. How can I prevent alcohol shakes when I quit drinking?

The best way to prevent alcohol shakes is by seeking professional help before quitting alcohol. Abruptly stopping alcohol intake can lead to withdrawal symptoms like shakes, and detoxing under medical supervision can reduce the severity. Medications, hydration, and proper nutrition provided in a detox program can help alleviate symptoms and ensure a safer recovery process.

4. How long does it take to fully recover from alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

The duration of recovery varies from person to person. Most alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including shakes, resolve within a few days to a week, but the recovery process may continue for weeks or months as your body adjusts to life without alcohol. Long-term recovery often involves therapy and support groups to address the psychological aspects of addiction.

5. What should I do if I experience severe tremors or other withdrawal symptoms?

If you experience severe tremors, confusion, hallucinations, or any other alarming symptoms during alcohol withdrawal, seek medical help immediately. These may indicate the progression to more serious withdrawal conditions like delirium tremens, which require emergency care. Medical detox centers are the safest place to undergo withdrawal, as they provide the necessary support and treatment to manage symptoms effectively.

6. Can alcohol shakes be a sign of something other than alcohol withdrawal?

While alcohol shakes are often linked to withdrawal, other health conditions, such as neurological disorders or anxiety, can also cause tremors. If alcohol consumption is not the cause, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. A thorough medical evaluation will help determine the underlying cause of the shakes and the best course of action.

References:

  1. National Institute of Health: Alcohol Use Disorder
  2. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
  3. National Institute of Health: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: mechanisms, manifestations, and management
  4. Wiley Online Library: Clinical management of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome
  5. American Academy of Neurology: Tremor in chronic alcoholism
  6. Annals of Internal Medicine: Propranolol Effect on Tremor in Alcoholic Withdrawal

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