Alcohol Shakes: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Stop Them
If you’ve ever experienced alcohol shakes—those uncontrollable tremors that happen after a night of drinking—you may wonder what causes them and how to stop them. Alcohol shakes are a common symptom of both short-term hangovers and long-term alcohol dependence. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and what you can do to stop alcohol-related tremors. Understanding alcohol shakes can help guide you or a loved one toward better management of alcohol use.
What Are Alcohol Shakes and Tremors?
Alcohol shakes, also known as tremors, are involuntary movements of the body or hands that are commonly associated with alcohol consumption and withdrawal. These tremors can occur during or after drinking and are often a sign of the body’s physical dependence on alcohol. Depending on the cause, alcohol shakes can feel different and affect various parts of the body, including the hands, head, and body.
What Alcohol Shakes Feel Like and Where They Show Up (Hands, Head, and Body)
Alcohol shakes are typically felt in the hands but can also appear in other areas like the head or body. The tremors may feel like mild or severe shaking, making it difficult to hold a glass or focus on small tasks. The hands may feel shaky even when you’re not actively using them, and in some cases, you may notice a slight tremor in your voice or a twitching sensation around the eyes.
In more severe cases, the tremors can extend to other parts of the body, leading to shaking in the legs, neck, and head. These tremors are not always dangerous but can be extremely uncomfortable and difficult to manage.
Types of Alcohol-Related Tremors: Hangover Shakes vs Withdrawal Shakes vs Long-Term Nerve Damage
- Hangover Shakes: Hangover shakes are usually temporary and happen as the body clears out alcohol after heavy drinking. These shakes are typically short-lived, lasting a few hours after drinking.
- Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes: Withdrawal tremors, or alcohol withdrawal shakes, occur when someone who is physically dependent on alcohol suddenly stops drinking. These shakes can be more intense and prolonged, sometimes lasting several days, and are often accompanied by other withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, nausea, and sweating.
- Long-Term Nerve Damage: Chronic alcohol use can damage the nervous system, leading to permanent or long-term tremors. This damage often affects balance and motor control, leading to a condition known as alcoholic neuropathy.
Why Do Alcoholics Shake?
Alcoholics may experience shakes for several reasons related to their body’s dependency on alcohol. Over time, excessive drinking alters the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, making it harder for the body to function without alcohol. When alcohol is consumed, it suppresses the nervous system, leading to relaxation. But when alcohol is suddenly absent, the body can experience withdrawal symptoms, including shaking.
Frequent shaking, especially after drinking, can also be a sign of alcohol-induced damage to the liver and other vital organs. This long-term damage can cause the body to become more dependent on alcohol to feel normal, leading to shaking as part of the body’s struggle to find equilibrium.
Shaking After Drinking: Hangover or Alcohol Withdrawal?
Determining whether the shaking you experience after drinking is simply a hangover or an indication of alcohol withdrawal is crucial. Understanding the difference can help you make decisions about seeking treatment or managing alcohol use.
Occasional Shaking the Day After Drinking: What’s Typical Hangover Shaking?
After drinking heavily, many individuals experience shaking as part of a hangover. These tremors usually occur during the first few hours after waking up and can be accompanied by other symptoms like headache, dehydration, and fatigue. Hangover shakes typically resolve on their own after drinking water and eating, and they usually do not last longer than a few hours.
Do Alcoholics Shake More? Signs Your Tremors Point to Alcohol Dependence
For people who are alcohol-dependent, shaking may be a regular occurrence. This could happen not just after drinking but also when alcohol levels in the body drop or after extended periods of sobriety. If alcohol use is frequent and the tremors persist, it might be an indicator of physical dependence or alcohol use disorder (AUD). Additional signs of AUD include drinking more than planned, an inability to stop drinking once started, and using alcohol as a way to cope with stress.
When Shaking After Alcohol Means Possible Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
If the shaking happens regularly and is accompanied by other withdrawal symptoms—such as sweating, anxiety, or nausea—it’s important to seek medical attention. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be dangerous if not treated properly, and some symptoms can escalate to severe conditions like seizures. Withdrawal shakes, or “delirium tremens” (DTs), can cause confusion, hallucinations, and even heart problems, so it’s crucial to recognize when symptoms indicate withdrawal and seek treatment promptly.
How Long Do Alcohol Shakes and Withdrawal Tremors Last?
The duration of alcohol shakes depends on whether they are caused by a hangover, withdrawal, or long-term nerve damage:
- Hangover Shakes: Typically last from a few hours to a day, resolving after hydration and proper rest.
- Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes: These tremors can last anywhere from several days to a week, depending on the severity of alcohol use disorder and how long someone has been drinking.
- Long-Term Tremors: If alcohol use has caused nerve damage, the tremors may persist even after quitting alcohol. In these cases, tremors might be permanent but can improve with medical care and rehabilitation.
How to Get Rid of Shakes After Drinking (Short-Term Relief)
While there is no immediate cure for alcohol shakes, there are several strategies that can help reduce the intensity of tremors:
- Hydrate: Drinking water after alcohol consumption helps replenish the fluids lost due to alcohol’s diuretic effect. Alcohol causes the body to excrete more fluids, leading to dehydration, which can make alcohol shakes worse. Rehydrating not only helps alleviate the tremors but also assists in flushing out toxins and balancing electrolytes, which are crucial for the body’s normal function. Sipping water slowly throughout the day, especially after drinking, will help you feel better and reduce symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness and fatigue.
- Eat a Balanced Meal: When your blood sugar drops after drinking, it can exacerbate shaking and cause other symptoms like irritability, dizziness, and weakness. To stabilize your blood sugar levels, eating a balanced meal is essential. Opt for meals rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber, such as a piece of chicken with avocado and whole grains. These nutrients support steady blood sugar levels, preventing the extreme highs and lows that contribute to shakes. Avoid simple sugars or heavily processed foods, as they can cause blood sugar spikes followed by rapid crashes.
- Rest: Allowing your body to recover by getting adequate rest is one of the best ways to combat alcohol shakes. Alcohol can disrupt your sleep patterns, making you feel restless and fatigued. Getting a good night’s sleep not only helps your body heal but also reduces stress, which can trigger or worsen tremors. Deep, restorative sleep allows your nervous system to reset, and it helps your body repair itself. Creating a peaceful, dark environment and sticking to a sleep schedule can aid in improving the quality of your sleep.
- Over-the-Counter Remedies: While not a cure, some over-the-counter remedies can provide relief from alcohol shakes. Electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte or sports drinks can help replenish the electrolytes lost through alcohol’s dehydrating effects. These drinks are designed to restore sodium, potassium, and other essential minerals, helping balance your body’s fluids. Additionally, ginger tea is often used to soothe nausea and digestive discomfort, which are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and hangovers. Both of these remedies can alleviate symptoms, providing comfort as your body recovers.
If shaking continues or worsens, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for further treatment options.
How to Stop Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes Safely
If you are experiencing alcohol withdrawal shakes, the safest approach is to seek medical help. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening if not properly managed. Medically supervised detoxification offers a controlled environment where professionals can monitor your symptoms and administer medications to ease discomfort and prevent serious complications.
Medications such as benzodiazepines (to manage anxiety) or anticonvulsants (to prevent seizures) may be prescribed. The Ohana inpatient rehab in Hawaii offers medically supervised detox programs where patients can safely and comfortably withdraw from alcohol under the care of experienced healthcare providers.
Supporting Someone Who Has Alcohol Shakes
If someone you love is experiencing alcohol shakes, it’s important to offer support and encourage them to seek help. The Ohana Hawaii provides a compassionate, understanding environment for individuals struggling with alcohol dependency. Our comprehensive approach includes evidence-based therapies, medical detox, and holistic treatments to help individuals not only stop drinking but also address the underlying causes of addiction.
At The Ohana Hawaii, clients receive personalized care that includes emotional support, mental health counseling, and therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, and massage to restore balance in both the body and mind.
Getting Help for Alcohol-Related Tremors
Alcohol shakes can be a distressing symptom of alcohol use disorder or alcohol withdrawal. If you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol-related tremors, it’s important to recognize the cause and take the appropriate steps toward recovery. While some temporary relief can be found with rest and hydration, long-term management may require professional intervention.
The Ohana Hawaii offers comprehensive treatment programs for alcohol use disorder that include medical detox, holistic therapies, and personalized support. Whether you are experiencing alcohol shakes or seeking help for a loved one, we are here to help guide you on the journey to recovery. Call us today to take the first step toward healing.
