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Alcohol Shakes: What They Are & How to Get Rid of Them

Alcohol Shakes: What They Are & How to Get Rid of Them

Alcohol shakes, while not life threatening, can be extremely uncomfortable and possibly disabling if not handled as soon as possible. So if you start shaking from drinking alcohol, how do you successfully get rid of the side effects and recover from these tremors?

What Are “Alcohol Shakes?”

Alcohol shakes, which are technically called tremors, are a type of involuntary shaking that affects different parts of the body. They are usually caused by issues with certain areas of the brain that control muscle movement.

This type of tremor typically involves rhythmic shaking in the hands, trouble writing or drawing, difficulty using utensils, a shaky voice, and more symptoms.

What It Means If You Have the Alcohol Shakes

Alcohol shakes, as evident by their name, are most common among individuals who suffer from alcohol addiction. They are usually a symptom of alcohol withdrawal, but can be a result of other alcohol-related issues as well.

These tremors can be a sign or symptom of binge drinking, excessive alcohol use over time, alcohol-related brain damage, liver disease, and withdrawal.

Other Side Effects of Abuse & Withdrawal

As stated above, withdrawal is the most common cause of the alcohol shakes. Those going through alcohol withdrawal may experience other symptoms in addition to tremors. The symptoms, which are most severe from 24 to 72 hours after drinking, may include:

  • Seizures
  • Delirium
  • Headaches
  • High blood pressure
  • Anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability

Not all of the side effects are guaranteed, and some may be more severe than others. If you experience any of them, however, you should also seek medical attention right away.

How Do You Get Rid of Alcohol Shakes?

If you experience shaking of any kind after drinking or quitting alcohol, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Going through the detox and withdrawal process will likely be safer and more comfortable at a rehab center or medical facility than at a house or another location.

If you don’t have access to a medical facility while experiencing the alcohol shakes, it’s recommended to call a doctor for medical advice as you detox as comfortably as possible at home. Either way, make sure you have someone around to supervise you and assure you’re drinking water & getting a fair amount of rest.

What to Do After Having Alcohol Shakes

The first thing you should do after seeking immediate medical attention for the alcohol shakes is to undergo detox treatment. When your detox is complete, the easiest and most beneficial way to move forward may be to start inpatient or outpatient substance abuse treatment.

Since alcohol shakes are most often a symptom of withdrawal, it’s obviously encouraged that you abstain from drinking for an extended period of time after experiencing them. When alcohol starts to cause mental or physical harm, it might be time to consider enrolling in a rehabilitation program.

Overall, alcohol shakes will not go away on their own. They require precise care and medical attention to treat. If you or someone you know starts to shake anywhere from 6 to 84 hours after drinking alcohol, call a hospital or treatment center as soon as possible.

To learn more about alcohol shakes, tremors, and other symptoms of alcohol addiction or withdrawal, contact our team of substance abuse professionals by visiting us here or calling 267.719.8689.

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