Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes & How to Stop Them

When someone stops drinking, their body must adjust to functioning without alcohol. If you’ve recently stopped consuming alcohol and you experience shaking, it’s essential to seek medical attention to ensure the issue is not related to DTs. Hepatic encephalopathy develops when the liver is unable to effectively filter toxins that can harm brain cells from the blood. To compensate for the sedative effects of alcohol, the brain releases more excitatory neurotransmitters than normal, which ramps up nerve activity and keeps the body in a more awake state. These changes in brain chemistry are part of the reason why long-term heavy drinkers often don’t appear drunk. Our community offers unique perspectives on lifelong recovery and substance use prevention, empowering others through stories of strength and courage. The recovery process doesn’t end after 90 days of treatment. The transition back to life outside of rehab is fraught with the potential for relapse. Aftercare resources such as 12-step groups, sober living homes and support for family and friends promote a life rich with rewarding relationships and meaning. You will also find information on spotting the signs and symptoms of substance use and hotlines for immediate assistance.

• At the very least, withdrawal from alcohol can be uncomfortable.
• She has produced a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field.
• Detox can be a frightening prospect, but luckily, you don’t have to go through it alone.
• Having the alcohol shakes, or tremors, is not the same as the DTs.

When people ask how to stop alcohol shakes, medication is often the answer given. Certain medications such as Baclofen, a muscle relaxer, can ease your central nervous system to reduce tremors. Others, like benzodiazepines, also treat many of the underlying causes of alcohol addiction, such as anxiety and depression. Medication therapy is not something you should attempt on your own. Drugs that ease withdrawal symptoms also come with some severe side effects. It’s always best to consult a medical professional before using any type of medication. Ask about an inpatient recovery center if your addiction is severe.

How Does Alcohol Impact Your Physical Health?

It occurs when fat collects in the liver because the organ can’t perform optimally. It has very few symptoms, but some people experience right-side discomfort. It’s essential to seek medical attention during alcohol withdrawal, especially after heavy, long-term use. Along with alcohol shakes, withdrawal from alcohol causes a variety of physical symptoms which can range from unpleasant to medically dangerous. The duration of alcohol tremors can vary depending on each person and their drinking habits. Oftentimes they will go away within 72 hours, but in severe cases may last for up to 10 days after the last drink.

The fluids can come from water, other drinks, and food, but approximately 80 percent should be from water and non-caffeinated drinks. According to science, there’s a biological reason the effects of alcohol are harder on our bodies as we age. Sober Home His work has appeared in publications including The Guardian, Euronews, and VICE UK. He focuses on health, culture, and lifestyle. You may notice these within 12 to 24 hours after your last drink, and they may last as long as 2 days.

Mental Health Treatment at The Ranch PA

Our focus at BlueCrest is on solutions to addiction and mental health challenges, not living in the problem. Our therapeutic approach is grounded in the most reliable clinical practices for substance abuse recovery. Focus on a diet full of lean proteins like fish, chicken, lean meats, beans, lentils, nuts and nut butters, and nonfat dairy products. Eat a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits (be sparing with fruit as it’s high in sugar). Some people swear by eating a big, greasy breakfast after drinking, but that’s not always a wise idea, especially if you’re already feeling a bit queasy. Instead, try eating some bland, easy-on-the-stomach foods like crackers, broth, or toast.

During detox, you will learn to overcome your cravings and better manage the withdrawal symptoms that ensue. It is here that providers will determine what if any medications you need to assist you in this process. Once you have completed detox, you are well on your way to recovery. What you eat and drink can also make a big difference in how your body copes with alcohol withdrawal. This helps to flush the toxins out of your system and keeps your body hydrated. Foods that are high in protein and vitamins can help to boost your energy levels and support your recovery. To understand what causes alcohol shakes, you have to understand how alcohol impacts the brain itself. Alcohol works to calm the function of the central nervous system, slowing it down. Alcohol affects the Neurotransmitter GABA. This is responsible for creating the calmness you feel.

Alcohol Shakes vs. Delirium Tremens (DTs)

During medically monitored alcohol detox, a patient can expect to receive treatment at a hospital, detox center, or inpatient residence. Medication may be provided for those with pre-existing conditions and to alleviate the unsettling withdrawal symptoms. For example, staff might prescribe a benzodiazepine such as Xanax to a patient experiencing anxiety and restlessness during detox. The severity of alcohol addiction can play a significant role in the next steps towards potential treatment.

However, the body is still producing more glutamate and not producing as much GABA as it normally does. For those who have alcohol shakes, that typically means the area of the brain that controls movement is being impacted. Once you’ve made the decision to get sober, it’s very important to have the right support system around you. Talk to your doctor about outpatient detox if your addiction is moderate. Outpatient detox treatment will require you to spend some time at a detox clinic every day. You won’t have to stay overnight at the facility, but your medications and recovery progress will be closely supervised by the professionals there. Outpatient detox offers the benefit of being able to live at home and have more freedom, as well as being less expensive than inpatient detox. Baclofen may be effective at treating a variety of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including tremors. During the detox, the vital signs will be monitored throughout. These can foretell whether the delirium tremens are starting.

Treatment Programs

If you experience severe whole-body tremors after you stop drinking, along with other symptoms such as hallucinations, confusion, disorientation, and seizures, seek medical attention immediately. You may need blood drawn to see if liver damage is to blame. Tremors, or “the shakes,” are a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal. While these tremors usually occur in the hands, they can happen anywhere in the body. Alcohol withdrawal shakes can be uncomfortable and frightening, but fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage this symptom. During this time, your doctor can help you reduce withdrawal tremors with medications, although you should take them with great caution so you don’t replace one addiction with another. Anxiety and stress can make tremors worse, so managing your stress levels during withdrawal and recovery is also important. Heavy alcohol consumption is recognized for its effect on the body’s ability to absorb nutrients in the system, powered by the liver.

Known as the DTs, this condition causes dangerous changes in your breathing as well as your circulation and temperature control. You may experience DTs two to three days after your last alcohol drink, but the symptoms could be delayed more than a week. Contact us today to find out which program might be right for you, or to begin the process of arranging for treatment. We offer a wide variety of rehab programs that cater to every situation. To learn how to find shakes from alcohol an inpatient detox center, read more from our Medical co-author. Ask your insurance if they offer coverage, or inquire at the center to see if there’s a payment plan that allows you to pay the fee over a few months. Possible side effects of benzodiazepine include dizziness, drowsiness, trembling, poor coordination, confusion, depression, impaired vision, or headaches. Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking before you start taking baclofen.

How Do You Get Rid of Alcohol Shakes?

If your parents exhibited constant drinking over extended periods, you might be susceptible to the effects based on how receptive your genes are. If you experience alcohol shakes, you may be on the path to more dangerous withdrawal symptoms. It isn’t a good idea to try and get rid of alcohol shakes alone. They could lead to more severe mental and physical health issues. Shaking during a hangover can be a sign of a serious medical condition. You should seek medical attention if you experience shaking as the effects of drinking alcohol wear off. Once the body is free of alcohol and alcohol shakes have subsided, an individual can begin addiction treatment. Detox alone is seldom enough to help those with a substance use disorder maintain abstinence long-term. Rather, detox should be followed by effective substance use disorder treatment. It is important to reduce and stop drinking in a safe and controlled manner when you are addicted to alcohol.

When someone drinks a lot and then stops drinking, the body must adjust. This triggers hyperactivity in the brain and nervous system, leading to shaking. However, alcohol shakes are one of the most common symptoms of withdrawal and excessive alcohol consumption. Tremors and other symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can occur as soon as six hours after someone last had a drink. Practicing a healthy lifestyle benefits all aspects of your life. The more your physical and mental health improves, the less likely you are to experience tremors or other residual withdrawal symptoms, and the greater quality of life you will enjoy. Withdrawal symptoms may be impacted by co-occurring mental or physical health conditions.