What are Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes and Can a Detox Center Help Them Stop?

Alcoholism is a progressive and chronic disease that can cause an array of health issues. When someone is addicted to alcohol, their body becomes accustomed to the presence of the substance in their body. This is why individuals experience withdrawal when they stop drinking alcohol suddenly.

One of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal is becoming very shaky. This is also known as having tremors or alcohol withdrawal shakes. If someone wakes up in the morning and experiences the shakes, they are physically addicted to alcohol.

Detoxing from alcohol alone can be extremely dangerous. In severe cases, untreated alcohol withdrawal can lead to life-threatening seizures, but even in mild cases, tremors and other symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable. An alcohol detox center can prescribe medications like long-acting benzodiazepines that can alleviate alcohol withdrawal shakes, prevent seizures, and keep patients safe during detox.

What are Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes?

A common sign of alcohol withdrawal is uncontrollable shaking which mostly occurs in the hands. This shakiness is also referred to as tremors, and they usually begin 6-10 hours after an individual’s last drink. They tend to become the most pronounced 48-72 hours after the person’s last drink.[1]

When someone engages in heavy and frequent alcohol consumption, their brain chemistry changes. Alcohol causes slowed brain activity and reduced energy levels, and to overcome the sedative effect of alcohol the brain increases its nerve activity to keep the body in a heightened state of alertness. Then, when the person’s intake of alcohol suddenly stops, the brain continues to deliver increased nerve activity causing tremors, anxiety, hyperactivity, and other withdrawal symptoms.

Once a recovering alcoholic completes detox, the tremors they experience will begin to go away. The alcohol withdrawal timeline can take a few weeks to a few months. However, without professional alcohol detox, many people end up relapsing to soothe their symptoms – making it extremely important to seek medical care.

Are Alcohol Shakes and Tremors Dangerous?

Alcohol shakes and tremors themselves are not dangerous; however, they are a sign of a dangerous condition known as alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal can cause individuals to experience life-threatening symptoms when it is left untreated.

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:[1]

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Increased heart rate
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Restlessness
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Delirium tremens (DTs)

The shakes can be a sign of a serious condition known as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS). WKS, also known as “wet brain,” is a brain and memory disorder caused by long-term alcohol abuse that requires immediate treatment. Because shakes and tremors are a symptom of this condition, individuals need to detox at a medical facility so they receive proper medical intervention and treatment.

Can a Detox Center Stop Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes?

The main goal of medical detox is to limit the symptoms of withdrawal and prevent cravings. For example, medications can be prescribed to prevent tremors and seizures. Detox centers can also identify why a person is experiencing alcohol tremors to determine whether they are suffering from an additional condition like Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.

Before the withdrawal symptoms become severe, doctors and nurses will provide patients with medications to prevent the symptoms from beginning in the first place.

There are many things detox centers can do to help patients prevent alcohol withdrawal shakes. These include:[2]

• Provide patients with benzodiazepines to manage withdrawal symptoms like tremors and reduce the risk of developing DTs
• Give patients thiamine to lower the risk of developing Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome and tremors
• Provide patients with beta-blockers like propranolol to reduce shakes

Coping With Shakes and Tremors

Patients can also engage in self-care activities to help reduce withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and alcohol withdrawal shakes. Choosing activities that feel meaningful and soothing is key, as different approaches work for different people. For example, one person may find painting or drawing calming, while another may experience relief from exercise.

Other helpful strategies for managing shakes and tremors include:

• Starting or continuing a hobby you enjoy
• Engaging in physical activity such as walking, running, or swimming
• Practicing yoga or meditation to calm the nervous system
• Reading uplifting books or watching positive TV shows
• Listening to motivational speakers or podcasts
• Spending time with supportive, sober friends and family
• Trying acupuncture to help reduce stress
• Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
• Consulting a doctor about vitamins or mineral supplements that may be beneficial
• Limiting sugar intake
• Staying well-hydrated

Effectively coping with alcohol withdrawal shakes is about focusing on feel-good activities that reduce stress and anxiety. When stress levels decrease, tremors often lessen as well. Prioritizing self-care is a vital part of the recovery process and can make withdrawal more manageable.ill also lead to a reduction in tremors, so self-care is extremely important to the detoxification process.