Why Do Alcoholics Shake? – Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment Program
Uncontrolled shaking is a visible symptom of alcohol withdrawal and can lead to brain damage if untreated. Experiencing shaking is one possible symptom that may arise when you stop suddenly drinking or significantly decrease your drinking after a long period of too much alcohol use. Alcoholism can damage a part of the brain called the cerebellum, causing a cerebellar tremor.
A tremor is when, in one or multiple areas of the body, involuntarily contracting muscles cause shaking. In general, tremor can happen in areas such as the vocal cards, legs, head, and more, but it most frequently occurs in the hands.3
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal can follow a sudden stoppage of drinking or a sudden significant decrease in drinking by a person who is dependent on alcohol.2 Typically, acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms begin from 6 hours after a person’s most recent alcoholic beverage to 24 hours after.4
Some alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include:2,4,5
- Anxiety.
- Irritability.
- Tremor.
- Nightmares.
- Headache.
- Sweating excessively.
- Quick heartbeat.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Seizures.
- Hallucinations.
- Delusions.
- Delirium.
Alcohol withdrawal can be deadly. A person who could possibly be experiencing withdrawal from alcohol should immediately contact a healthcare provider or go to an emergency department. If a person hallucinates, has a high temperature, has heartbeats that are not regular, has seizures, or has confusion that is significant or serious, immediately call 911 or get to an emergency department.6
Delirium Tremens Symptoms
In some cases, a serious kind of alcohol withdrawal called delirium tremens (also known as alcohol withdrawal delirium) can occur.5,7 As soon as 48 hours after suddenly stopping alcohol intake, delirium tremens can occur in someone who abused alcohol long-term, but delirium tremens symptoms might occur even 10 days post a person’s most recent drink.7,8
Signs of Delirium Tremens
Some symptoms of delirium tremens may include:7,8
- Tremors.
- Significant confusion.
- Disorientation.
- Hallucinations.
- Agitation.
- Heavy, prolonged sleep.
- Elevated temperature.
- High blood pressure.
- Quick heartbeat.
Delirium tremens may be deadly.4 A person with delirium tremens symptoms should immediately call 911 or get to an emergency department.8
Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal & Addiction
Alcohol withdrawal can be deadly.6 A person who could possibly be experiencing withdrawal from alcohol should read what to do in the “Alcohol Withdrawal” and “Signs of Delirium Tremens” sections above.
If an individual experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms quickly obtains medical care, this may prevent delirium tremens, and averting delirium tremens is highly important.4,8 Typically, admission to a hospital or another setting that provides round-the-clock medical care may be preferable for detox for sedative-hypnotic withdrawal, alcohol withdrawal, and opioid withdrawal.4
Medications can be used to manage alcohol withdrawal, such as benzodiazepines. Medication may avert significant withdrawal ramifications. There should be provision of other care, including giving sufficient nutrition, screening for injuries, and more.4
However, for those with addiction, detox generally is not enough on its own to help them to stay abstinent long term. Treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management, and/or medication such as naltrexone, may help avert relapse. Treatment may be inpatient, residential, or outpatient. Self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous can offer support and assist individuals in becoming and staying abstinent.9
Recommended Treatment Considerations
Data were collected in 2016 by Recovery Brands asking patients leaving an addiction recovery center what facility features they saw as high-priority aspects to look at when deciding on treatment. The most important priority was the center’s financial options, such as financial support, insurance accepted, and payment options. They also prioritized the facility’s offerings (quality of housing, recreational activities, quality of food) significantly more after completing treatment. As you enter treatment, you may want to look at a center’s payment policies as well as its offerings to help you make your final program decision.
Ongoing care following the completion of formal treatment is another very important aspect of recovery. Aftercare in the form of continued counseling can help people stay focused on sobriety and continue to practice relapse prevention skills.
Free self-help programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART can also provide support and connection for recovering drinkers.
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Take our free, 5-minute substance abuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with substance abuse. This evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are designed to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of a substance use disorder. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result. Please be aware that this evaluation is not a substitute for advice from a medical doctor.
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