Alcohol Shakes

What Are Alcohol Shakes?

Alcohol shakes are involuntary, rhythmic shakings, mostly noticed in the hands. Medically, they are known as tremors. When severe, tremors can extend to the arms, legs, and head.

Alcohol shakes occur after a period of heavy drinking and are a sign of the body dealing with alcohol withdrawal.

Why Do Alcohol Shakes Happen?

Alcohol is toxic and impacts the brain’s neurotransmitter system. When it is consumed regularly in large amounts, alcohol suppresses excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate and enhances inhibitory ones like GABA, slowing down the nervous system. If drinking continues, the brain adapts by increasing glutamate activity and decreasing GABA activity.

When drinking is suddenly stopped, the balance of these neurotransmitters is disrupted, leading to brain overexcitation. This imbalance is the cause of tremors or shakes, as the brain tries to send coordinated signals to muscles.

The tremors are caused by overactivity in brain areas responsible for motor control, such as the cerebellum. This overactivity results in uncoordinated nerve signals being sent to muscles.

The severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, varies due to factors like the amount and duration of drinking, genetics, overall health, and prior occurrences.

How Long Do Alcohol Shakes Last?

Alcohol tremors may start within a few hours of your last drink, usually reaching their peak intensity within 24 to 48 hours.

Tremors usually begin to calm around days five to seven after the last drink but can linger for weeks or months. In rare cases, they can appear seven to 10 days after the last drink.

The duration of alcohol withdrawal shakes can vary from person to person. Several factors influence how long they last:

• Severity of alcohol dependence: The more dependent you are on alcohol, the more intense and prolonged the withdrawal symptoms will be.
• General state of health: Pre-existing health conditions can impact how your body responds to alcohol withdrawal.
• Medical treatment: Proper medical treatment can help shorten the severity and length of withdrawal symptoms.

Will Having A Drink Make The Tremors Stop?

Yes, having a drink will likely temporarily relieve the tremors. Alcohol suppresses the overactivity in the nervous system that is causing the shakes. However, this is a short-term and risky solution. Here’s why:

• It continues the cycle of dependence: Using alcohol to stop withdrawal symptoms reinforces the addiction and makes it harder to quit in the long run.
• It can lead to more severe withdrawal later: Each time you go through withdrawal, the symptoms can become more severe, increasing the risk of serious complications like seizures.
• It doesn’t address the underlying problem: Alcohol withdrawal is a sign that the brain has become dependent on alcohol. The only way to truly overcome this is to stop drinking and allow the brain to heal.

Seeking professional help is crucial for safe and effective management of alcohol withdrawal.

Symptoms Of Alcoholism Contributing To Alcohol Tremors

Having withdrawal tremors doesn’t automatically mean someone has an alcohol use disorder, but it’s a strong indicator. Tremors are very common in people whose lives revolve around alcohol. Drinking may no longer be about enjoyment or socializing, but rather about avoiding withdrawal symptoms. It’s similar to how someone addicted to opioids might continue using to avoid getting sick.

Recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction is crucial for understanding the likelihood of developing alcohol tremors during withdrawal. If you identify with any of these symptoms, it may indicate a need to seek help:

• High tolerance: Needing to drink more to get the same effect.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing anxiety, sweating, nausea, or other symptoms when trying to cut back.
• Loss of control: Struggling to control alcohol consumption, leading to heavier drinking.
• Neglecting responsibilities: Prioritizing drinking over work, school, or family.
• Continued drinking despite problems: Drinking despite negative consequences like relationship or health issues.

It’s a good idea for anyone who drinks to seriously consider these points and evaluate their relationship with alcohol and its impact on their life.

Are Alcohol Shakes A Sign Of Addiction?

While experiencing alcohol shakes can be a sign of alcohol addiction, it’s not always the case. Here’s why:

• Occasional mild tremors after a heavy drinking episode might simply indicate the body reacting to a large amount of alcohol. However, frequent or severe tremors, especially those accompanied by other withdrawal symptoms, are a stronger indication of alcohol dependence.
• Individual factors like genetics, overall health, and drinking history also play a role in how the body reacts to alcohol.

Can Someone Who Rarely Drinks Experience Alcohol Shakes After Drinking?

It’s possible, but less likely. While someone who rarely drinks might experience hangover symptoms like shakiness after a binge drinking episode, true alcohol shakes are more commonly associated with regular, heavy alcohol use.

Knowing the differences between the two can help you identify the types of shakes you are experiencing. Important differences include:

• Hangover shakes: These are milder and shorter-lived, often accompanied by other hangover symptoms like headache, nausea, and fatigue. They are primarily caused by dehydration and the body’s reaction to the toxins in alcohol.
• Alcohol withdrawal shakes: These are usually more intense and persistent, and they may occur even without other typical hangover symptoms. They are a result of the brain’s altered chemistry due to regular alcohol exposure.

If you’re concerned about your alcohol consumption or experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

Alcohol Shakes And Other Signs Of Alcohol Withdrawal

Though tremors are one of the most prominent and early signs of chemical disturbances in the body, they are often not the only signs that emerge when the body withdraws from alcohol. Other signs of withdrawal can include:

Alcohol withdrawal can be an unpredictable process. If you or someone you know is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, seeking professional medical assistance is needed to ensure a safe and supported journey toward recovery.

Alcohol Shakes Vs. Delirium Tremens

When it is clear that alcohol tremors have developed, it is essential to be on guard for the development of other signs and symptoms, in particular delirium tremens (DTs).

DTs is characterized by several symptoms, including:

• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

DTs is a stage of withdrawal that can be life-threatening. As noted, shakes usually appear between one and five days after withdrawal starts but can start many days later. Immediate medical attention is needed if this condition develops.

Medical Treatment For Alcohol Shakes

Medical treatment is essential for managing tremors and other withdrawal symptoms, especially severe conditions like delirium tremens. Here’s what that treatment typically involves.

Medications 

Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines are the most commonly used medications for alcohol withdrawal. They work by calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety, agitation, and tremors. Examples include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and chlordiazepoxide (Librium).

Anticonvulsants: These medications can help prevent seizures, which are a potential complication of alcohol withdrawal. Examples include carbamazepine (Tegretol) and valproic acid (Depakote).

Barbiturates: In some cases, barbiturates like phenobarbital may be used to manage severe withdrawal symptoms.

Over The Counter Medications: Over-the-counter medications may be prescribed to help with specific symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or insomnia.

Hydration And Nutrition 

Intravenous fluids and nutritional supplements are often provided to restore electrolyte balance, prevent dehydration, and provide essential nutrients. This helps reduce the risk of complications and supports the body’s recovery.

Supportive Care

A quiet and comfortable environment is important for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Emotional support and counseling can also be beneficial during this challenging time.

It’s important to remember that alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, and medical supervision is needed for ensuring safety and effective treatment.

How To Stop Alcohol Shakes

The most effective way to stop alcohol shakes is to seek professional assistance for alcohol withdrawal. Medical professionals can assess your needs, provide treatment plans, and monitor your progress to ensure a safe and successful detoxification. Attempting to detoxify on your own can lead to severe complications and worsening withdrawal symptoms, which can be life-threatening.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol dependence, reaching out for help is a crucial step toward recovery.

Getting Help

Alcohol shakes, distressing as they are, are a treatable symptom of alcohol withdrawal. By recognizing associated symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment, individuals can navigate this phase and start on a path toward lasting recovery.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey; support is readily available. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, contact a treatment provider today to learn more about your treatment options.