Alcohol shakes, also known as alcohol withdrawal tremors or alcohol shake, happen when someone who drinks heavily or long-term stops drinking. As you may be able to guess by the name, an alcohol shake involves involuntary shaking.
This is often most noticeable or profound in the hands and fingers. However, it can also occur throughout the body. Either way, alcohol shakes are usually a clear sign of alcohol withdrawal.
So, why do they happen? Is there a way to stop them? In this article, we take a closer look at why this happens, as well as the symptoms and treatment options.
Causes of Alcohol Shake
Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system (CNS). This means it slows down brain function. Yet, with regular alcohol intake, the body and brain build up a tolerance and strive to find a balance. In other words, a heavy drinker will become used to alcohol’s sedative effects. So, what happens when someone stops drinking?
As the effects of alcohol wear off, the brain might actually become “overwhelmed” by sudden activity. This is especially true if someone has been drinking quite heavily and for a long time. In turn, this can lead to incorrect signals being sent to muscles in the hands and fingers—and this hyperactivity is what causes tremors or alcohol shakes.
Symptoms of Alcohol Shake
An alcohol detox after long-term and heavy use usually leads to alcohol shakes. However, alcohol withdrawal isn’t limited to this one symptom; it may also include:
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Depression
- Full body tremors
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Mood fluctuations
- Insomnia
In some cases, individuals may also experience hallucinations and nightmares. Delirium may also occur, which can be life-threatening and associated with seizures, as well as hallucinations and tremors. Yet, this severe situation usually only occurs in about 2% of people detoxing from alcohol.
Who is at Risk?
Anyone who drinks alcohol may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms, like tremors. But not always. Most often, tremors from alcohol occur in:
- Long-term alcohol users: This refers to those drinking heavily for months or years.
- Heavy drinkers: For men, this usually means more than four drinks a day or 14 drinks per week. For women, this equates to three drinks per day or seven drinks a week.
- Daily drinkers: If you drink every day, you may be at risk of experiencing alcohol shakes when detoxing from alcohol.
- Binge drinkers: Surprisingly, a binge can also lead to tremors or shakes afterward.
Additionally, some individuals may have genetic predispositions leading to a higher likelihood of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Older adults and those with liver problems may also be more likely to experience these tremors.
Treatment and Management
Treating alcohol withdrawal can be challenging and potentially dangerous. This is the importance of seeking out proper help and supervision, especially if you or a loved one has drunk heavily for some time. Typically, alcohol shakes and other withdrawal symptoms are treated with a medical detox, medications, and therapy.
Medical Detox
A medical detox often involves round-the-clock care and supervision. This can help manage symptoms as they arise and prevent any complications from happening. Depending on the severity of one’s alcohol addiction and use, inpatient or outpatient care options may be considered.
Medications
Medications used depend on the severity of symptoms. For mild withdrawal symptoms, such as hand tremors, carbamazepine or gabapentin may be prescribed. For more moderate withdrawal symptoms, benzodiazepines may be used to help reduce anxiety, prevent seizures, and manage other symptoms.
In more severe cases, antipsychotics and antiseizure medication may also be part of one’s treatment plan.
Therapy
Long-term management for treating alcohol abuse usually involves mental or cognitive therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or group therapy. These treatments are often necessary for making healthy changes that last by addressing underlying factors involved in alcohol addiction.
The Importance of Professional Help
Professional help is crucial when detoxing from alcohol. This is especially true since alcohol shakes can be part of a more serious condition, such as alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).
If you’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms, planning to quit drinking, or have a history of severe withdrawal, consulting with a healthcare provider is imperative for your safety and health. This is even more important if you have existing health conditions or have been unable to control your drinking in the past. Ultimately, alcohol dependence is a health issue that requires proper support and supervision so that you can safely begin paving your road toward recovery and a healthy and long life.
Conclusion
Alcohol shakes indicate the body is detoxing from alcohol dependence and heavy use. While shaking hands may not sound serious, associated symptoms—such as seizures—can be life-threatening. They can also be part of a more serious condition called alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).
However, with proper treatment and support, it’s possible to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and overcome alcohol dependence. If you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol shakes or other withdrawal symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Most importantly, know you’re not alone in the journey. Recovery is entirely possible with the right help.
