Many people who struggle with heavy alcohol use experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit drinking. One of the most alarming and recognizable signs is alcoholic shakes, also known as tremors. These can range from minor hand flutters to full-body trembling and are often a symptom of a dangerous condition called delirium tremens.
In some cases, untreated alcohol withdrawal can result in severe, potentially life-threatening effects like seizures, hallucinations, and tachycardia. If you want to stop drinking, you must understand the risks and seek professional help.
What Causes Alcoholic Shakes?
Alcohol shakes occur because of the brain’s reaction to the sudden absence of alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant that slows down brain activity and suppresses the central nervous system. Over time, your brain adjusts to this suppression by producing more stimulating chemicals to maintain balance. When you abruptly stop drinking, these chemicals will flood your brain, which can lead to tremors and other withdrawal symptoms.
Common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Hand tremors or full-body shakes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Mood swings
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Sensitivity to light and sound
Severe cases of withdrawal escalate into delirium tremens, which can include dangerous symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, and confusion.
Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal happens because of how alcohol rewires the brain’s reward system. Over time, your brain becomes dependent on alcohol to function normally. When you stop drinking, your brain struggles to produce the neurotransmitters that regulate mood and pleasure, causing a chemical imbalance.
This process can begin within a few hours of your last drink, with symptoms peaking between 24 and 72 hours. For some people, withdrawal symptoms can last for weeks or even months, evolving into a longer-term condition called post-acute withdrawal syndrome.
Factors that influence the severity of alcohol withdrawal include:
- How long you’ve maintained a drinking habit
- The amount and frequency of your alcohol use
- Your age, health, and history of withdrawal
How Long Do Alcohol Shakes Last?
The timeline can vary from person to person. For most people, tremors and other withdrawal symptoms begin within a few hours after their last drink and peak within the first two to three days. Mild tremors may subside after several days, but for others, shakes can persist longer, depending on the severity of their alcohol use disorder.
If confusion, hallucinations, or seizures accompany alcoholic shakes, these signify delirium tremens, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
The Importance of Medical Detox
Alcohol is one of the most dangerous substances to quit without professional help. Even though only a small percentage of people experience delirium tremens, the risk of severe symptoms like seizures and irregular heart rate makes it essential to detox under medical supervision.
Clinically managed detox can reduce the intensity of your withdrawal symptoms. Medical professionals will monitor your vital signs and ensure your safety throughout the detox process, using the latest methods to effectively manage your symptoms while easing discomfort. Alleviating the immediate physical dependencies will prepare you to move seamlessly into the next phase of treatment.
Request Help Today
Medical detox is your best option if you’ve tried to quit drinking on your own and found it too uncomfortable, or if you worry about experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification clears alcohol from your body and sets the foundation for long-term recovery.
NEM Recovery’s compassionate, clinically managed detox services are part of our comprehensive addiction treatment programs. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let us help you reclaim your life and build a future free from addiction. Reach out to us today to learn more about our programs.
