Alcohol Detox Shakes & Tremors: How to Stop Them The Recovery Village Columbus Drug and Alcohol Rehab

how to stop alcohol shakes

Most commonly occurring during the withdrawal phase, they can also manifest after particularly heavy drinking sessions. Regardless of whether medical care is needed to stop the shakes, it is important to also follow-up for ongoing alcohol treatment after tremors and other withdrawal symptoms pass. The above medications are typically used in cases of moderate to severe withdrawal, so if you are experiencing only mild withdrawal symptoms, tremors may simply stop without any medication.

how to stop alcohol shakes

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

  • When you drink alcohol, the body responds by decreasing the sensitivity of receptors that bind to GABA and increasing the sensitivity of receptors that bind to glutamate.
  • When the suppressing effect of alcohol is suddenly reduced or removed, your brain’s hyperactive state is unrestrained, leading to symptoms like shakes.
  • You may not require treatment in the hospital for minor withdrawal, but a doctor can monitor your symptoms to ensure they do not become dangerous.
  • The more your physical and mental health improves, the less likely you are to experience tremors or other residual withdrawal symptoms, and the greater quality of life you will enjoy.

When cravings arise, distract yourself with alternative activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Go for a walk in nature, engage in a hobby like painting or gardening, or call a supportive friend. By focusing your attention on positive, engaging activities, you can ride out the craving without turning to alcohol. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, then exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four. Repeat this process several times until you feel more centered and in control.

Treatment

Experiment with different flavors and combinations to find satisfying alternatives that you enjoy. Next, identify your reasons for wanting to reduce your alcohol consumption. These could include improving your health, saving money, or enhancing your relationships. Understanding your motivations will help you stay focused and committed to your goals, even when faced with temptations or setbacks. If you or someone you love are struggling with alcohol abuse, please contact First Step Behavioral Health today to explore your treatment options. As we talked about above, consuming too much alcohol has a very dehydrating effect on your body, and your nervous system tries to start recovering balance as the alcohol wears off.

how to stop alcohol shakes

Treatment and Information About Alcohol Use Disorder

The best chance for a successful, long-term alcohol recovery means committing to an effective alcohol treatment program. It also means committing to lifestyle changes that will keep you physically and mentally healthy, and alcohol free. There are many ways you can take control of your sobriety and live a better life. Detoxing means clearing the alcohol from the body and managing withdrawal symptoms. Although alcohol will clear the body within a few days, cravings, shakes, and other withdrawal symptoms may linger longer. Once the body is free of alcohol, an individual can begin addiction treatment.

how to stop alcohol shakes

It’s estimated that about 4-5 percent of people undergoing alcohol withdrawal experience the DTs. Even side effects like vomiting and sweating can contribute to dangerous dehydration, which can be deadly. Because of this, detoxification from alcohol should always be done under medical supervision. Keeping a detailed record of your alcohol consumption is a crucial step in reducing your intake.

how to stop alcohol shakes

Alcohol Detox Shakes and Withdrawal Symptoms

  • Breathe in slowly through your nose, feeling your belly rise as your lungs fill with air.
  • Even when the intake of alcohol ceases, the brain stays in this state of high alert.
  • The reason for this link between alcohol and tremors is that as alcohol leaves the body of a heavy drinker, the brain is flooded with more activity, and the nervous system becomes hyperactive.

Beyond discomfort, these tremors can indicate a dangerous stage of withdrawal. Left untreated, alcohol withdrawal can escalate into severe symptoms such as seizures or delirium tremens (DTs). For this reason, professional support at a center for alcohol and drug treatment is critical. At Legacy Healing Center, we offer personalized alcohol detox care to ensure withdrawal symptoms are managed safely and effectively. Sober living home Alcohol shakes, also known as tremors, are one of the most common and unsettling symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. These involuntary movements can range from mild to severe and often signal a deeper issue with alcohol dependency.

Embracing a Healthier Relationship with Alcohol

These shakes are a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which occurs as the body adjusts to functioning without alcohol. The type of detox program or level of intensity needed will depend on the severity of alcohol dependence and other factors. Given the range of severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, a person who experiences tremors can expect them to dissipate within a few days in mild cases, but not everyone will be this lucky. If withdrawal progresses to delirium tremens, the tremors can last for a week or more, and emergency medical how to stop alcohol shakes treatment is necessary to prevent serious complications. Alcohol shakes, also commonly referred to as alcohol tremors, are involuntary quivering or trembling movements that often occur when a person is experiencing withdrawal from alcohol. These debilitating symptoms can affect various parts of the body, most commonly the hands, but can also manifest in the arms, legs, and even the face.

  • Alcohol has a depressant effect on the body, slowing down brain function and energy levels.
  • 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.
  • Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress with yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques can play an important role in reducing tremor frequency.

Use a journal or app to log your drinks

how to stop alcohol shakes

To make your alcohol reduction journey more manageable, break down your long-term objectives into smaller, short-term milestones. When setting goals for reducing alcohol consumption, it’s essential to be as specific as possible. Vague intentions like “drink less” or “cut back on alcohol” are less likely to lead to lasting change.

The more people in your personal network that you trust to support your journey, the more likely you are to be successful. As you communicate your goals and make changes in your own life, you may inspire others to reevaluate their relationship with alcohol as well. Lead by example, showing that it’s possible to have a fulfilling social life and strong connections without relying on alcohol. Your positive influence may encourage others to adopt healthier habits or be more mindful of their own alcohol consumption. Joining a gym or fitness class is an excellent way to replace drinking habits with a healthy and productive activity. Gyms offer a wide range of equipment and classes designed to cater to various fitness levels and interests.