What are Alcohol Shakes and How Do You Deal With Them?

Have you ever experienced shaking or felt unstable when you’re not consuming alcohol? The shaky, unsteady feeling that can occur after a long day or night of heavy drinking is referred to as alcohol shakes.

You may often see this shaking feeling in the hands. However, it can also affect the arms, legs, and whole body. Shaking from alcohol misuse is frequently a sign of alcoholism or alcohol dependence. It can also lead to more serious withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol shakes may not always mean there is a serious problem. It is essential to understand what happens when you or someone you care about has tremors from drinking alcohol.

Tremors can be a sign of alcohol withdrawal or other health issues. Knowing this can help you provide better support. We will thoroughly examine what an alcohol tremor is and the actions to take if you notice this condition.

Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes

Alcohol acts as a psychoactive depressant that influences brain function, leading to a decrease in central nervous system activity. Light to moderate drinking usually does not cause tremors.

However, heavy drinkers who go through withdrawal are at high risk for motor tremors. These tremors often affect the hands and can make daily activities difficult. Drinking alcohol again might give short-term relief from tremors. However, repeated withdrawal can increase the chances of tremors coming back.

Alcohol shakes can occur on their own, but they frequently appear with additional symptoms, including:

• High blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Increased respiratory rate
• Nausea
• Excessive sweating

When you research alcohol shakes, you may discover a serious and dangerous condition called delirium tremens (DTs). DTs can cause shaking, confusion, hallucinations, and even seizures.

Understanding the Difference Between Alcohol Shakes and Delirium Tremens

Alcohol tremors and delirium tremens (DTs) are linked to alcohol withdrawal, but they differ in severity. Tremors are a common sign in people who have been heavy drinkers for a long time. They often occur with other withdrawal symptoms.

On the other hand, DTs represent a more serious and potentially dangerous type of withdrawal. While uncommon, DTs require immediate medical attention because of their severe complications. Symptoms of delirium tremens (DTs) can include hallucinations, agitation, and seizures. These symptoms can seriously threaten the person’s health and safety.

The Common Culprit of Alcohol Shakes

Often, alcohol shakes are closely linked to alcohol addiction. Drinking a lot can harm your mental and physical health. Some of these effects can cause tremors. Here are some potential causes for shaking:

• Changes in the chemistry of the brain: Alcohol interacts with glutamate, an amino acid in the central nervous system. Glutamate helps increase brain activity and excitability. Drinking alcohol for a long time lowers glutamate levels in the brain. When a person suddenly stops drinking, glutamate levels can rise too much, causing increased excitement and shaking.

• Anxiety: Anxiety is a frequent symptom of alcohol abuse and withdrawal, leading to shaking, trembling, and overall instability.

Nonetheless, alcohol tremors are not solely a result of regular alcohol use. Shaking can happen even after just one night of heavy drinking. For women, binge drinking is classified as consuming four or more drinks in a single sitting, while for men, it is five or more.

After drinking too much alcohol, you may experience “hangover shakes.” These shakes can make you feel unsteady and weak all day.

How to Treat Alcohol Shakes

The approach to managing alcohol-related tremors will vary based on how often and how severe they are. If you are uncertain, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider, as alcohol withdrawal can pose serious risks.

To ease those occasional “hangover shakes,” treat yourself with some self-care. Here are a few quick and practical tips to help you feel better:

• Take some time to rest.
• Drink plenty of water or drinks that are high in electrolytes.
• Eat a nutritious meal.
• Engage in an activity or hobby that takes your mind off of withdrawal symptoms.

If you notice that alcohol-related shakes are happening more often, it is essential to take action. If the shakes are getting stronger, this could be a sign of alcohol dependence.

Most treatment programs for alcohol use disorder begin with detoxification. This process helps your body get rid of alcohol over several days. These detox programs may also provide medications to alleviate severe shaking and other withdrawal symptoms.

Before moving forward, it is essential to know the safe ways to detox from alcohol with professional help. You may wonder, how long does the alcohol detox process take? The duration will vary based on the specific program and the seriousness of the case.

Seeking Help for Alcohol Withdrawal

After you have chosen to quit drinking alcohol, it is essential to consult with your physician. They can help you create the safest, most comfortable, and effective strategy for achieving sobriety. Alcohol addiction impacts both your body and mind. It’s essential to seek help from someone familiar with your medical history.

Your doctor may manage your alcohol withdrawal directly. They might also refer you to a treatment center. This center could be inpatient or outpatient. Regardless of the recovery path you select, having medical supervision is vital.

Certain medications are available that can alleviate the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as tremors. Consult your physician to see if benzodiazepines or baclofen might be suitable for managing these withdrawal symptoms.

Benzodiazepines, such as Valium, Librium, Ativan, and Serax, can help with withdrawal symptoms like shaking. However, they need careful medical supervision. This is important because they can have serious side effects and may interact harmfully with other medications.

Get Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder

If you often have alcohol shakes, you may see changes in your job, family life, and social activities. This is especially true if you have other symptoms. Alcohol dependence can be a significant issue, and tremors are often only the beginning of more serious problems.

New Jersey Addiction Intervention offers programs that can help you start your journey to healing. You can work towards a life free from addiction. Our team of doctors and specialists is here to help you manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, and other challenges. If you are prepared to begin your journey, contact us today.

References:

1. National Library of Medicine: Delirium Tremens
2. National Library of Medicine: Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
3. National Library of Medicine: Tremor in Chronic Alcoholism