Alcohol shakes, also known as tremors, are common when someone who has been drinking heavily for a long time suddenly stops. Shakes are uncontrollable trembling that usually occurs in the hands as a result of alcohol withdrawal.
The shakes will start anywhere from 5-10 hours after the last drink. That is why some people who drink a lot of alcohol regularly get the shakes in the morning and require a drink to ‘feel calm.’ Tremors usually peak between 24-78 hours from the last drink, but they can last for weeks or even months.
Why Do You Shake After Drinking?
Alcohol has a depressant effect. Thus, excessive intake may cause the brain to become accustomed to a lower level of stimulation. As the alcohol leaves the bloodstream, the brain is overwhelmed with increased activity, causing the nervous system to become hyperactive, resulting in alcohol shakes or tremors. It is often referred to as a sign of alcohol withdrawal.
What Are the Alcoholism-Related Symptoms That Cause Tremors?
If you experience one or more of the following symptoms of alcohol dependence, you might need medical attention:
- Sign of tolerance, meaning that you require more and more alcohol to have the same result that smaller quantities of alcohol did previously
- Ignoring other desires to devote more time to drinking, acquiring alcohol, or recovering from its effects
- Withdrawal symptoms highlighted below
Several other withdrawal symptoms indicate that the body is having trouble processing alcohol. These side effects range from mild to severe, while some are life-threatening. The common ones include nausea, anxiety, headaches, sweating, insomnia, vomiting, etc. Other potential side effects include Seizures, Hallucinations, and Delirium Tremens (DTs).
Delirium Tremens vs. Alcohol Shakes
The signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be very variable. Delirium tremens is a severe type of alcohol withdrawal that can result in seizures and is often fatal. It is typically caused by a reduction or total abstinence from alcohol.
Tremors, lack of sleep, and sometimes seizures are the first signs of this dangerous disorder. Also, there are vivid hallucinations, disorientation, and uncertainty, as well as uncontainable entire-body tremors. It may happen suddenly; thus, a person suffering from delirium tremens necessitates urgent medical attention.
Some persons who suffer from alcohol withdrawal experience psychosis. It may include morbid jealousy, chronic auditory hallucinations, and even anxiety. All these symptoms require medical attention. Chronic alcohol use can also cause severe memory issues that need medical attention.
Shaking after drinking can be a sign of impending delirium tremens. Alcohol withdrawal should always be conducted as part of a physician-supervised withdrawal detoxification program. Only under a physician’s care will the best treatment plan be delivered when it is required.
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Withdrawal symptoms differ from one person to another and are influenced by factors like how much you have been drinking and how fast you quit or cut back. Shaking after drinking can be the indicator that withdrawal requires medical assistance.
If you or someone you know is struggling with it, contact Hangover Hospital Key West over the phone or request an appointment to talk to the providers if you experience alcohol shakes. The doctors have the necessary expertise in helping individuals successfully recover from the awful symptoms of excessive drinking.