They usually start within a few hours after the last drink and can last for several days. As anyone who has done it before knows, uncontrollable shakes are part of the experience. They are an unsettling reminder of the influence alcohol has on your body. With early intervention and the right support, there’s hope to manage and overcome these tremors.

Avoid Triggers

It is important to talk with a doctor to fully understand the timeline you will likely experience. A trained medical professional can best understand your specific medical situation and provide information that is specific to you personally. Alcohol enhances the effects of GABA, which is why people feel relaxed when they drink. When alcohol is removed, the body experiences a surge of glutamate, causing the shakes.

Treatment and management of alcohol shakes

They signal a significant change in the body’s response to the absence of alcohol. Alcohol shakes, commonly seen in individuals experiencing alcohol withdrawal, manifest as involuntary trembling or quivering, particularly in the hands. These shakes are a significant symptom of withdrawal and often arise when someone with alcohol dependence abruptly stops or reduces their alcohol consumption.

Tapering Off Alcohol Consumption

There are a variety of treatments available for alcohol tremor, including medications and psychotherapy. In some cases, medications can help reduce the symptoms of alcohol tremor and make it easier to manage. Psychotherapy can also be used to help identify the underlying causes of alcohol tremor and to help a person learn how to better manage and cope with their symptoms. Alcohol shakes can be stopped by gradually reducing the amount of alcohol consumption, staying hydrated, eating a nutritious diet, and exercising regularly. If you are experiencing the shakes due to heavy alcohol consumption, the best course of action is to stop drinking altogether and seek medical help.

Shakes can also affect other parts of the body, making daily tasks difficult. 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, or tremors, typically manifest as involuntary shaking of the hands or Alcoholics Anonymous 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.

Physical vs Psychological Dependence: What’s the Difference?

The symptoms of alcohol shakes include trembling of the hands and arms, shaking legs, dizziness, nausea, and sweating. These symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on how much alcohol a person has had. It is also possible to experience a racing heart, decreased coordination, and confusion. You should seek immediate medical attention if alcohol shakes occur alongside how to stop alcohol shakes severe symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or hallucinations.

Experiencing repeated episodes of alcohol withdrawal can lead to the “kindling effect,” where each subsequent withdrawal episode becomes more severe. This increased risk includes more severe seizures and complications like delirium tremens, which present significant health risks. Severe alcohol withdrawal can also involve difficulties with regulating bodily functions and significant autonomic instability, which are life-threatening conditions. Recognizing the difference between mild and severe withdrawal is essential for determining the appropriate level of care needed.

In simple terms, these are fits of involuntary shaking that occur in a person’s body, either centralized to one area or throughout the whole body. Alcohol shakes can happen from both alcohol withdrawal and from excessive alcohol consumption. In some cases, individuals may continue to experience shakes for several weeks or even months, indicating a more severe level of alcohol dependency. In rare instances, tremors may appear 7-10 days after the last drink, highlighting the unpredictable nature of withdrawal symptoms. This leads to a period where the brain’s hyperactivity is unrestrained and creates withdrawal symptoms.

• If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol shakes and withdrawal in Missouri, it’s important to seek professional help.
• Certain supplements can help reduce the severity of the shakes from alcohol.
• One of the best is damiana for its ability to enhance mood and reduce alcohol cravings.
• These may include benzodiazepines like Librium, Valium, and Lorazepam, which can help manage anxiety and seizures.

In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of alcohol withdrawal shakes, how to deal with them, and what steps you can take to reduce the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. Getting help for alcoholism at The Recovery Village Columbus can greatly improve the chances of overcoming alcohol addiction. Contact a Recovery Advocate today to take the first step toward living an alcohol-free life.

Keep Up With Your Recovery Process

Long-term alcohol addiction may also cause brain damage, which can contribute to a noticeable tremor. In severe cases, liver damage from alcohol misuse can lead to a specific type of tremor known as asterixis. It’s important to seek medical attention if experiencing alcohol withdrawal, as symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, and appropriate treatment is vital for safety and recovery. Severe cases of alcohol withdrawal can result in delirium tremens (DTs), a potentially fatal condition that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of DTs include severe confusion, rapid heartbeat, fever, hallucinations, and seizure. Due to the potentially life-threatening nature of severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, medical assistance should be sought to safely manage the detox process.