Or see a counselor or social worker who can help you meet the challenges of living with essential tremor. Get in the habit of eating every three hours to avoid hunger that could lead to alcohol cravings, which will become more intense once the alcohol shakes set in. Family and close friends who understand and support your recovery goals are an invaluable asset to recovery. Many of those recovering from substance use feel alone in their struggle for sobriety. The more people in your personal network that you trust to support your journey, the more likely you are to be successful.
- Since there is an overlap of possible signs and symptoms, individuals may choose to contact a healthcare professional if they experience any of the above symptoms.
- In cases of long-term alcohol use, withdrawal can be very dangerous and cause serious issues, including high blood pressure, a dangerously high heart rate, seizures and hallucinations.
- In contrast, delirium tremens (often abbreviated as DTs) represents the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal, occurring in a small percentage of individuals detoxifying from alcohol.
- Taking medications and engaging in healthier lifestyle habits can improve tremors.
- Staying hydrated also helps you feel better, sleep better, and feel full without consuming too many calories.
Figure out how much you actually drink
Depression is typically viewed as a chronic condition, meaning that while it can’t be cured necessarily, it can be treated and well-managed to where your symptoms don’t interfere with your life. Once the withdrawal symptoms kick in, you’ll want to keep how to stop alcohol shakes yourself busy with books, movies, games, or whatever will help you stay distracted from how you’re feeling. Several factors impact the duration, including how severe the dependency on alcohol is for the particular person having the shakes.
Treatment and Information About Alcohol Use Disorder
After a heavy drinking session, your brain can get used to lower levels of stimulation caused by alcohol’s depressant effects. When you wake up, your brain becomes overwhelmed with activity, triggering tremors and shaking during a hangover. If you are experiencing alcohol withdrawal, seek medical attention immediately, especially if you’ve been drinking heavily for a long time. 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. Also called beta-adrenergic blockers, adrenergics such as propranolol help block symptoms of detoxification, especially excessive sweating, arrhythmia, body tremors, and rapid heartbeat.
More on Substance Abuse and Addiction
Prolonged alcohol use can also damage the brain and nervous system. This can disrupt the way the brain sends instructions to the muscles and nerves, causing symptoms such as tremors in the fingers or hands. Low blood sugar might also play a role, as alcohol can have an impact on your body’s ability to monitor blood sugar levels. When blood sugar gets low, it can result in shaking, along with other hangover-like symptoms, including sweating and headaches.
This scan can help the provider tell the difference between the two types of tremor. Diagnosing essential tremor involves a review of your medical history, family history and symptoms and a physical examination. If you or a loved one is in need of mental health treatment, call to speak to a Treatment Specialist. We will connect you with an affiliate mental health treatment center, Alter Behavioral Health, that will provide a free confidential telephone assessment. This is why you might wake up with a dry mouth or experience fatigue or dizziness.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
Delirium tremens isn’t curable, but it can be treated to help you manage symptoms and avoid complications such as dehydration. Eating nutritious food, exercising, and getting enough sleep can help reduce some withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings. If don’t have much of an appetite, you may want to take a multivitamin or drink a beverage high in electrolytes, such as a sports drink.
Understanding the Body’s Response to Alcohol
Why Do Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Occur?
- Sedatives, usually benzodiazepines, are medications used to treat alcohol withdrawal and DTs.
- People with alcohol use disorder who suddenly stop drinking may also have a spike in an amino acid called glutamate.
- Withdrawal symptoms may be impacted by co-occurring mental or physical health conditions.
