Alcohol Shakes and Tremors: When to Seek Help
Alcohol shakes and tremors can be very worrying for those who experience them, especially when it’s considered that involuntarily shaking can be an early sign of alcohol addiction.
Alcohol tremors are involuntarily responses to the withdrawal of alcohol from the body’s system. These physical symptoms can be unsettling and, at times, even frightening, especially for individuals who are trying to quit or cut back on drinking.
To better understand what shakes and tremors are, why they happen, and what can be done to stop them from happening, it’s important to pay attention to this rather serious topic.
What Are Alcohol Shakes and Tremors
Alcohol shakes and tremors refer to involuntary shaking or trembling of the body, typically affecting the hands, but potentially spreading to other parts of the body as well.
They are often linked to the withdrawal of alcohol from the body, and are a common sign that the body is physically dependent on alcohol.
Key Characteristics of Alcohol Shakes and Tremors:
- Trembling of the hands: The most common symptom is noticeable shaking of the hands, which can range from mild to severe.
- Shaking of other body parts: In some cases, tremors can extend to the arms, legs, head, and torso.
- Worsening in the morning: The shakes may be more intense after waking up, especially if a person has gone a long period without consuming alcohol.
While tremors can be temporary, they are a clear sign that the body is struggling to cope from the withdrawal of alcohol.
Who Can Suffer from Alcohol Shakes and Tremors?
Anyone who has a history of consistent alcohol consumption or alcohol dependence can experience alcohol shakes and tremors. However, some individuals are more susceptible to these symptoms than others:
- Heavy Drinkers and Alcoholics
- Individuals who drink heavily on a regular basis are at the highest risk of experiencing shakes and tremors. The more alcohol a person consumes over time, the more likely they are to develop physical dependence.
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is often marked by an inability to control drinking, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms like shakes.
- People in Alcohol Withdrawal
- Anyone who suddenly reduces or stops drinking after consuming alcohol regularly is at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms, including shakes and tremors.
- Withdrawal usually begins within 6 to 12 hours of the last drink and can last for several days or longer.
- Older Adults
- Older individuals who have been drinking heavily for years may be more prone to alcohol shakes and tremors due to age-related changes in metabolism and the body's ability to process alcohol.
- Individuals with Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues
- People with mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression may experience more intense tremors during alcohol withdrawal, as alcohol has been used to self-medicate these symptoms.
Are Alcohol Shakes and Tremors a Sign of Addiction?
Yes, alcohol shakes and tremors are often a clear sign of alcohol dependence or addiction. When a person drinks heavily and regularly, their body becomes physically dependent on alcohol, meaning it relies on alcohol to maintain a balance in brain chemistry. Over time, alcohol alters the brain's neurotransmitter systems, specifically the systems related to GABA (inhibitory) and glutamate (excitatory).
Alcohol Addiction and the Brain:
- Chronic alcohol use leads to changes in the brain's reward system, increasing tolerance (requiring more alcohol to feel the same effects) and dependence (needing alcohol to feel "normal").
- When alcohol consumption stops suddenly, the brain experiences withdrawal symptoms as it struggles to adjust to the absence of alcohol, causing physical effects such as shakes and tremors.
If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it can indicate a physical dependence on alcohol, which is a clear sign of addiction.
The tremors themselves are not just a sign of a one-time hangover, but a deeper issue with alcohol dependence that requires intervention.
For professional support and a detoxification programme that can rid your body of alcohol and adequately deal with the subsequent withdrawal symptoms, contact New Leaf Recovery today.
The Science Behind Alcohol Shakes and Tremors
The brain science behind alcohol shakes and tremors revolves around the impact of alcohol on neurotransmitters—the chemicals that transmit signals in the brain.
Alcohol has a depressant effect on the brain, increasing the action of GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) and decreasing the activity of glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter).
Alcohol's Effect on the Brain:
- GABA: Alcohol enhances GABA’s calming effects, which slow down brain activity and create feelings of relaxation.
- Glutamate: Alcohol inhibits glutamate, reducing brain excitability and suppressing excitatory signals.
When alcohol is consumed regularly, the brain adapts to these changes. Over time, it becomes reliant on alcohol to maintain the balance between GABA and glutamate.
When alcohol is suddenly removed (as in the case of withdrawal), the brain is left in a state of over-excitability (due to glutamate) and under-inhibition (due to decreased GABA). This imbalance leads to symptoms like shakes and tremors as the nervous system tries to recalibrate.
Learn more about the importance of re-wiring the brain after alcohol addiction.
What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Shakes and Tremors?
Alcohol shakes and tremors can vary in severity, but common symptoms include:
- Involuntary trembling of the hands, arms, or body.
- Shaky or unsteady movements when attempting fine motor tasks (e.g., holding a cup, writing).
- Increased anxiety or nervousness, which can make the tremors worse.
- Sweating, particularly in the face, hands, or forehead.
- Nausea or vomiting, often linked with withdrawal.
- Increased heart rate or palpitations.
- Difficulty focusing or feeling disoriented in more severe cases.
These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may worsen over time if alcohol consumption continues.
How Do You Stop Alcohol Shakes and Tremors?
While there are temporary methods to alleviate alcohol shakes and tremors, the only way to stop them long-term is through professional intervention and abstinence from alcohol.
Temporary Relief Methods:
- Medication: Doctors may prescribe benzodiazepines or other medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, during the detox process.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Dehydration and low blood sugar can exacerbate tremors. Drinking water and consuming balanced meals can help ease symptoms.
Long-Term Solution:
The only true way to stop alcohol shakes and tremors in the long term is through abstinence from alcohol, allowing your body to re-balance itself and get used to the absence of alcohol.
This can be much harder than it sounds however, and the temptation to turn to alcohol to cope with the withdrawal symptoms can be very high as a short-term relief strategy.
That’s why it’s important to seek professional support if you are struggling to cut down on alcohol and ward off shakes and tremors. Here at New Leaf Recovery, we offer personalised detoxification programmes and supportive care to help individuals safely navigate alcohol withdrawal and begin their journey to recovery.
In order to rewire the brain from alcohol addiction and restore balance to the body’s neurotransmitter systems, professional help is crucial.
Why Do I Get Shakes and Tremors When I'm Hungover?
Hangovers are often accompanied by alcohol shakes and tremors because the body is in a mild withdrawal state. After drinking, alcohol depresses the central nervous system, and when it leaves the system, the body reacts by overstimulating the nervous system, leading to symptoms like shakes, tremors, headaches, and irritability.
Moreover, alcohol can cause dehydration, low blood sugar, and electrolyte imbalances, all of which contribute to shakiness and other hangover symptoms.
When Should You Seek Help for Alcohol Shakes and Tremors?
If you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol shakes and tremors, it is crucial to seek help if:
- Tremors persist or worsen over time.
- The tremors are accompanied by severe symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, confusion, or high blood pressure—which could indicate delirium tremens (DTs), a life-threatening condition.
- There is a pattern of alcohol dependence or inability to stop drinking despite negative consequences.
- The tremors are affecting daily functioning and quality of life.
Seeking professional help as soon as possible can reduce the risks associated with alcohol withdrawal and help ensure a safe and successful recovery.
Contact New Leaf Recovery Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol shakes, tremors, or alcohol addiction, New Leaf Recovery is here to help. We offer personalised detox programmes, compassionate care, and professional support to help you or your loved one navigate the challenging journey of recovery.
Our tailored programmes are designed to address the individual needs of each client, ensuring that every step of the detox process is managed with the utmost care. Don’t let alcohol shakes and tremors control your life—take the first step toward a healthier, brighter future today with New Leaf Recovery.
Contact New Leaf Recovery to learn more about how we can support you on your recovery journey. We're here to help you turn over a new leaf.