Alcohol shakes are involuntary tremors, often in the hands, that can occur after drinking alcohol. While sometimes temporary and caused by excessive drinking, they can also signal severe, potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, Live Oaks Wellness is here to help. Call us today or verify your insurance to learn more about our personalized treatment options and start your journey toward recovery.
What Are Alcohol Shakes?
The term “alcohol shakes” refers to tics or tremors, usually in the hands, that occur in the aftermath of drinking. The shakes aren’t an effect of the alcohol. Instead, they are the result of the absence of alcohol in a person’s system after a period of drinking. In other words, they are a withdrawal symptom.
We usually think of withdrawal as a period of intense distress that occurs when a person tries to quit drinking after becoming addicted to alcohol. Alcohol shakes can occur during this process, and when they do, they can be a sign that a person’s health is at risk.
Alcohol shakes can also occur the day after a person has been drinking heavily. When this happens, most people would probably describe the symptoms (which can include headache, dry mouth, shakiness, and similar effects) as characteristics of a hangover. What many people don’t realize, though, is that a hangover is a form of withdrawal.
Are Alcohol Shakes a Sign of Addiction?
As your body attempts to recalibrate itself after excessive exposure to alcohol, you may experience alcohol shakes and a variety of other symptoms.
If these types of symptoms occur in the aftermath of a binge drinking episode, it can be a sign that you should avoid heavy alcohol use. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have developed alcohol use disorder (which is the clinical term for alcoholism).
However, if you have been drinking regularly for an extended period – which can include months or years – and you develop alcohol shakes and other symptoms when you try to stop or significantly reduce your alcohol use, that is a likely sign that you have developed an addiction.
What Happens During Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal can involve a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, including alcohol shakes. The type and severity of a person’s withdrawal symptoms can be influenced by factors such as:
- How long they have been addicted to alcohol
- The amount and frequency of their alcohol use
- Their age, gender, weight, and metabolism
- If they have been taking any prescription medications or using other substances
- If they have any co-occurring medical or mental health concerns
Common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Intense cravings for alcohol
- Headache and stomach ache
- Nausea and Diarrhea
- Racing heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Elevated body temperature
- Excessive perspiration
- Tics and tremors (alcohol shakes)
- Anxiety and irritability
These symptoms may begin to appear within about 12 hours after a person’s last drink. They usually peak within about three or four days, after which they will slowly subside.
Withdrawal from most substances is difficult, but not usually dangerous. Unfortunately, alcohol withdrawal is an exception to this general rule. In severe cases, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can actually be life-threatening.
The most severe and dangerous alcohol withdrawal symptoms are referred to as delirium tremens, or the DTs. The DTs, which usually occur within 48-72 hours after a person has stopped drinking.
These symptoms can include:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Dangerously high blood pressure and body temperature
- Abnormal heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme alcohol shakes
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Seizure
Experts estimate that about 3%-5% of people who go through alcohol withdrawal develop the DTs. In the absence of appropriate medical care, the anticipated mortality rate of the DTs is about 37%. Thankfully, the likelihood of surviving the DTs increases substantially when a person receives effective treatment from qualified professionals.
How Can I Stop Alcohol Shakes?
The best ways to prevent alcohol shakes are to not drink alcohol, or to only drink in moderation. To stop or limit the severity of alcohol shakes, the ideal option can depend on the circumstances in which they occur.
For example, if you develop shakiness as part of a hangover after a night of heavy drinking, most experts advise the following:
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water or sports drinks with electrolytes to counter the diuretic effects of alcohol. Dehydration can intensify hangover symptoms, so ingesting an ample amount of non-alcoholic fluids can help to minimize your distress.
- Nutrition: Carbohydrate-rich foods such as toast, crackers, and oatmeal promote increased blood sugar, which can alleviate alcohol shakes and other hangover symptoms. Fruits and vegetables such as bananas, blueberries, grapes, spinach, and kale can also be helpful.
- Relaxation: Your body needs time to heal. If possible, get plenty of sleep and avoid over-exerting yourself while you’re awake.
If you’re concerned about alcohol shakes and other severe withdrawal symptoms when you’re trying to quit drinking, a detoxification (detox) program might be the right choice for you. Features and benefits of detox include:
- You will be in a safe, closely supervised environment where you won’t have access to alcohol or other dangerous substances.
- You will be cared for by professionals who are familiar with all aspects of alcohol withdrawal and who can address any problems that you have during this process.
- Depending on the nature and intensity of your withdrawal symptoms, you may receive medical and/or therapeutic support to safeguard your health and keep you as comfortable as possible.
Once you’ve completed detox, you can transition directly into a residential or outpatient program. This can minimize your risk of immediate relapse and help you gain a more solid foothold in early recovery.
The skills you develop during the post-detox phases of your treatment can empower you to resist relapse, while the lifestyle changes you make can help you maintain successful, long-term sobriety.
Recommended: What Happens When You Stop Drinking: A Timeline
Find Alcohol Detox and Rehab in the San Francisco Area
At Live Oaks Wellness, we are committed to being a trusted resource for adults seeking to break free from addiction to alcohol and other substances. We understand that every individual’s journey to recovery is unique, which is why we offer personalized treatment plans designed to meet your specific needs and goals.
Our alcohol rehab center, located in the San Francisco area, provides a full continuum of care to support you at every stage of your recovery journey. Whether you need the safety and structure of a detox program, the immersive support of residential treatment, or the flexibility of outpatient programming, we’re here to guide you. To learn more about what rehab entails, check out our blog post on What Is Rehab Like? Understanding the Process.
Why Choose Live Oaks Wellness?
- Comprehensive Care: From detox to aftercare, we provide a seamless transition between levels of treatment to ensure continuous support.
- Personalized Treatment: Our team works closely with you to create a customized plan tailored to your physical, emotional, and mental health needs.
- Experienced Professionals: Our compassionate staff includes medical and therapeutic experts who specialize in addiction recovery and holistic care.
- Supportive Environment: Our welcoming facilities foster healing and growth, offering a safe space to focus on recovery without distractions.
At Live Oaks Wellness, we believe recovery is about more than just quitting alcohol or other substances. It’s about building a healthier, more fulfilling life. Through evidence-based therapies, holistic treatments, and a strong emphasis on community, we help our clients regain control and find lasting success. Learn more about the connection between alcoholism and mental health in our blog, Is Alcoholism a Mental Illness?.
If you or someone you care about is ready to take the first step, we’re here to help. Call us today to schedule a free assessment or visit our Admissions Page to learn more about our programs. Together, we can help you reclaim your life from addiction.
