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How to Stop Alcohol Shakes: Medication & Natural Remedies
Written by VictoriaDenison
That means, when ingested, alcohol works to lower heart rate, slow the respiratory system, and halt communication between certain neurons. Over time, the brain and the central nervous system become accustomed to this “lower standard” of operating. Check with your doctor for recommendations regarding vitamin and mineral supplements. Deficiencies in B-complex, C, calcium, potassium, magnesium and other nutrients are common with alcohol use disorder.
- It’s also beneficial to consume electrolyte-rich fluids such as sports drinks or coconut water.
- The duration of these shakes can vary from person to person but generally won’t last longer than a day or two, especially if alcohol is consumed frequently.
- Alcohol withdrawal syndrome refers to a range of symptoms that can occur when an individual with alcohol dependency suddenly stops or significantly reduces their alcohol intake.
Alcohol Shakes vs. Delirium Tremens (DTs)
- When you stop drinking, your body has to adjust to working without alcohol.
- If you drink frequently, you might experience more frequent shakes afterward.
- They are usually caused by issues with certain areas of the brain that control muscle movement.
While tremors aren’t life-threatening, they can be embarrassing or signal a bigger problem. Those experiencing alcohol shakes may be unable to perform everyday tasks and functions. Once symptoms of alcohol-related brain damage occur, they will continue to worsen if drinking continues. The only way to prevent a worsening of symptoms is to quit drinking, although this should not be attempted without professional help. If you’ve recently stopped consuming alcohol and experienced shaking, talk to a doctor. It’s essential to seek medical attention to ensure the issue is unrelated to DTs.
What are Alcohol Shakes?
Habitual consumption conditions alcoholism symptoms the body to expect alcohol, and reducing intake can commonly trigger withdrawal symptoms like shakes. In addition, mental health disorders, such as anxiety, stress, and depression, can increase the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms like tremors. Alcohol shakes, or tremors, occur when a long-term or heavy drinker stops consuming alcohol. It can vary from person to person, but they are a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Additionally, snacking on nutritious foods while drinking can help counteract the effects of alcohol on the body.
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Unfortunately, there is no miracle pill or medication that cures alcohol shakes. The shaking in itself is indicative of a bigger problem, one that needs to be addressed immediately. While alcohol shakes can be both scary and uncomfortable, in the situation of someone who does not suffer from AUD, they usually subside. With that being said, drinking to the point of inducing shakes is an unhealthy behavior and can be a sign of alcohol dependence. Take the time to self-reflect upon your drinking habits to discern whether or not you have a problem. To that end, alcohol shakes are not interchangeable with delirium tremens but can be a subset symptom.
How to Stop Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes
Alcohol functions as a depressant, slowing down brain activity and affecting mood-regulating chemicals. When alcohol begins to leave the system of a heavy drinker, the brain experiences a surge of activity, leading to an overactive nervous system and resulting in tremors or shakes. Once symptoms and side effects of alcohol-linked brain damage develop, they usually worsen if alcohol substance use continues. These damages may become irreversible, even if the person stops drinking alcohol. Alcohol shakes and tremors can be hangover symptoms but are usually caused by dehydration, not alcohol withdrawal.
Eating Before and During Alcohol Consumption
Side effects from alcohol withdrawal range from mild to severe, and some are life-threatening. Typical withdrawal side effects include sweating, anxiety, insomnia, headache, nausea, vomiting, and tremors. Side effects like hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens (DTs) are also possible. Uncontrolled shaking of the hands or other parts of the body is common among those suffering from an alcohol addiction. Most of the time, an individual with a drinking problem who shakes is exhibiting signs of alcohol withdrawal, but there are other reasons why an hangover shakes alcoholic might shake. Sometimes, the most severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening.
- Once the body is free of alcohol, an individual can begin addiction treatment.
- This disturbance in electrolyte levels can contribute to the development of hangover shakes.
- If the alcohol shakes persist for months after abstinence, the addiction specialists will typically recommend that the patient see a neurologist.
- Alcohol functions as a depressant, slowing down brain activity and affecting mood-regulating chemicals.
Last year, we expanded our services to include robust mental health services, new locations, and specialized services for our nation’s veterans with more to come this year! For this reason, detoxing with medical supervision may be necessary to keep a person safe and comfortable during alcohol withdrawal. Depending on the alcohol disorder’s severity, withdrawal symptoms may begin around 5 to 10 hours after the last drink or sooner. Withdrawal symptoms usually peak approximately 24 to 48 hours after the last sip.
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Because of this, detoxification from alcohol should always be done under medical supervision. Once you’ve decided to stop drinking alcohol, it’s important to meet with your doctor. He or she can guide you toward the safest, most comfortable, and most effective plan for your sobriety. Alcohol abuse https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/dealing-with-ptsd-alcohol-blackouts-and-memory-loss/ affects your physical and mental health, so it’s important to be guided by someone who knows your medical history. Your doctor may personally oversee your alcohol withdrawal, or he or she may refer you to an inpatient or outpatient treatment facility.
There could also be bouts of sweating and the shakes can extend throughout the limbs. Withdrawal is a phenomenon that people experience when a substance or activity is removed from their lives. It can take many different forms, from a sense of mild longing to a deep, unstoppable craving.