How To Stop Shakes and Tremors During Alcohol Withdrawal

Common triggers include stress, anxiety, and situations where one might typically consume alcohol. For many individuals, social environments or specific emotional states can provoke cravings and lead back to drinking. However, it is best to contact a healthcare professional for help with severe symptoms or if there is a chance DT can occur. The relationship between alcohol tremors and withdrawal syndrome highlights a significant risk for individuals who consume alcohol heavily and suddenly cease drinking. This physiological response indicates the nervous system’s readjustment to the absence of alcohol. In more serious cases, these tremors can escalate into a condition known as delirium tremens (DTs), which is life-threatening and characterized by severe shaking, hallucinations, and seizures. Is medical supervision necessary for shaking during alcohol withdrawal? For someone with mild-to-moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms, outpatient treatment might be the best course of action. Outpatient treatment means you can stay at home during your recovery process, but you must have someone with you at all times who can keep an eye on you and monitor your behavior. Alcohol tremors can also indicate a more severe form of alcohol withdrawal, called delirium tremens (DT’s). Delirium tremens is mainly characterized by tremors, hallucinations, disorientation, confusion, and increased heart rate/breathing rate/blood pressure. Delirium tremens is a much more serious form of alcohol tremors and usually appears a couple of days after someone ends an intense drinking binge. DT’s are especially common if you do not eat enough during your drinking binge or have a long history of alcoholism. How alcoholism may contribute to shakes They typically occur when someone who regularly drinks significant quantities of alcoholic beverages stops drinking, and the effect of alcohol starts wearing off. In certain situations, entering a detox program may be the most effective approach. Supervised detox provides a safe environment wherein medical experts can manage withdrawal symptoms and offers the necessary support in the early stages of recovery. You are more likely to have DTs if you have moderate or severe alcohol use disorder (heavy or frequent alcohol use even if it causes physical or emotional harm). Nearly one-third of U.S. adults will have alcohol use disorder at some point in their lives, and it is estimated that about 1% of those people may get delirium tremens. What Are Alcohol Shakes? How to Stop Tremors Most addiction treatment programs for alcohol use disorder will begin with an alcohol detox, where your system will flush out the alcohol over several days. Detox programs may also include medications to help with more extreme shaking and other symptoms. Alcohol shakes, commonly seen in individuals experiencing alcohol withdrawal, manifest as involuntary trembling or quivering, particularly in the hands. These shakes are a significant symptom of withdrawal and often arise when someone with alcohol dependence abruptly stops or reduces their alcohol consumption. Stopping shaking from alcohol withdrawal involves seeking medical supervision. Healthcare professionals can administer medications such as benzodiazepines to help calm the nervous system, which reduces the severity of shaking and other withdrawal symptoms. Typically beginning 6-8 hours after the last drink and peaking within hours, alcohol shakes indicate the body’s response to the sudden absence of alcohol. There is a lot scientists still don’t know about the brain, including what brain dysfunction causes tremors. There is some evidence that the deterioration of the cerebellum, the part of the brain that helps with movement and coordination, is responsible for shaky hands. Personalized Plan of Care She has a strong work ethic and it’s not unusual for her to be up at the facility at 2am or on the phone all night helping guide our staff on how to best manage whatever situations come up. You’ll first need to detox from alcohol altogether in a healthy and effective manner. Activities such as walking, jogging, or yoga can facilitate overall well-being, contributing to a smoother recovery process. Each day, take time to revisit your recovery goals and the reasons you decided to stop using alcohol. Studies have found that withdrawal seizures can occur in 11-33% of alcohol-dependent individuals.3 If you are experiencing severe tremors, seek medical attention right away. While Ritalin helps manage ADHD symptoms, some parents worry it might stunt growth. Learn what the research says about stimulant medications and their effect on children’s height, weight, and overall development. Drinking water or electrolyte-rich fluids can help mitigate discomfort and promote recovery throughout the detoxification process. Support groups also enable individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences—creating camaraderie that helps combat feelings of isolation often felt during this time. Ensuring adequate fluid intake not only aids in reducing shaking but also supports overall recovery. We understand the challenges you or a loved one might face and are committed to guiding you through the recovery process with compassion, expertise, and professionalism. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the above symptoms, as they may signal a severe form of alcohol withdrawal like delirium tremens (DTs). Medical professionals can provide appropriate treatment options, ranging from medications to hospitalization and detoxification, to ensure your safety during this challenging process. Don’t let the fear of how to stop tremors from alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, deter you from seeking help. Alcohol consumption, especially in excessive amounts, can lead to a range of physical symptoms, including shaking or tremors. These shakes from alcohol are often a sign of the body’s reaction to alcohol intake or withdrawal. Read on to understand why alcohol-induced shakes occur, how long they might last and how to manage them. Alcohol withdrawal shakes, also referred to as alcohol withdrawal tremors, tend to last for a few days to a week. However, their duration and severity vary based on individual factors such as the extent of alcohol dependence and overall health. As the withdrawal process continues, the symptoms can become more severe. Finding Help for Alcohol Use Disorder Chronic health issues, like liver damage or malnutrition, linked to prolonged alcohol use are considered during recovery management. Addressing these conditions promotes full-body healing alongside withdrawal