Unfortunately, insomnia is a common problem for those in recovery from excessive alcohol use. Inadequate sleep can make tremors and other withdrawal symptoms worse. Once you stop using alcohol, it may take several months to regain a normal sleep pattern. Meanwhile, practicing the stress management techniques discussed above can be key to more quickly enjoying healthy sleep.
Treatment Programs
Mindful meditation is another great way to reduce your anxiety and help prevent cravings and future relapses. To learn how to find an inpatient detox center, read more from our Medical co-author. Treating alcohol withdrawal is a short-term fix that doesn’t help the core problem.
Understanding Alcohol Shakes and How to Stop Them
While the alcohol shakes are no fun to deal with, you’re not alone. With early intervention and the right support, there’s hope to manage and overcome these tremors. If you have withdrawal symptoms from drinking, then you have consumed enough alcohol to damage other organs. alcohol shakes Your doctor will evaluate your usual diet and check for vitamin deficiencies because poor nutrition is common when someone is dependent on alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal is easy to diagnose if you have typical symptoms that occur after you stop heavy, habitual drinking.
What causes shakiness during a hangover?
Because of this, it’s best to talk to your doctor before stopping alcohol use. They can help you set up a plan to manage your alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If you have stopped using alcohol, haven’t talked to your doctor, and think you might be having DTs symptoms, call 911.
- Thiamine deficiency, in particular, is of great concern for chronic alcohol consumers.
- If friends, family and other loved ones have commented on your shakes or tremors, or expressed concern about your use of alcohol, it may be time to consider getting help.
- If you’re concerned about your risks for developing alcohol use disorder, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider.
- Those with a wider circle of support have a better chance of staying sober.
- If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, you must seek treatment.
Support Groups
Your CNS must work harder to overcome the depressant effects of alcohol to keep your body functioning. DTs can develop in anyone who meets the criteria for heavy alcohol use. For people AMAB, that means drinking three or more drinks per day and 15 or more drinks per week.
- Even less often, people see, feel, smell, or even taste things that aren’t real.
- Deep-breathing exercises and meditation can also be beneficial, as they promote relaxation and help in reducing anxiety, which can often exacerbate tremors.
- But this is a goal you should also approach safely, and you don’t have to do it alone.
When you stop consuming alcohol after prolonged, heavy use, your CNS can’t respond or regulate itself fast enough. It becomes overexcited because there’s no more alcohol to slow it down. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 (or your local emergency service number) if you or a loved one has any concerning symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Because of these symptoms, you won’t be able to make decisions about your medical care. Healthcare providers will treat you to stabilize you (unless you have some kind of advance medical directive on file with them). They may also talk to family, friends or loved ones you previously approved to know and make decisions about your medical care.
If you have alcohol use disorder and want to reduce how much you drink or quit entirely, a primary care provider can guide you to resources and rehabilitation programs that can help. Many people feel shame or embarrassment asking for this kind of help, but your provider’s job is to help, not to judge. That way, you can reduce your drinking safely and improve your health, well-being and overall quality of life. Delirium tremens is a severe, life-threatening form of withdrawal that can happen when a person with alcohol use disorder suddenly stops drinking.
Seven to nine hours of quality sleep is one of the most powerful tools to help you avoid alcohol shakes. Friends and family are valuable tools for helping you stay alcohol-free and reduce tremors. The more time you spend with people encouraging your alcohol-free lifestyle, the better your chance of successful recovery.
- However, these remedies will work only for people who drink occasionally or are prone to low blood sugar after drinking alcohol.
- It produces euphoria and other effects at low blood concentrations.
- Individuals should be prepared to be uncomfortable during this period and have medical help available if needed.
- A rare but very serious syndrome called delirium tremens can occur during alcohol withdrawal.
