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 the shakes last
  • How to treat and cope with alcohol tremors

If you or someone you love are 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 who is 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.

What Causes Alcohol Shakes?

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 hyper excited due to excess glutamate and reduced GABA, can cause various symptoms, including alcohol shakes.

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 these symptoms safely and prevent more severe symptoms such as seizures.

How Long Do Alcohol Shakes Last?

How long alcohol shakes last during 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 and ongoing support are often necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively and address underlying issues.

How to Stop Alcohol Withdrawal 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 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 include:

  • Staying hydrated
  • 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

Alcohol Shakes vs Delirium Tremens

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 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 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 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 its 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.

Find Help Now

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.

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

Jump to a Section

Call (855) 425-4846