As one abstains from drinking after a history of chronic or excessive alcohol abuse, they may find that they experience shaking or tremors. This is one of the many withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping drinking.
Alcohol-related tremors can be both debilitating and embarrassing for those experiencing the detox symptoms. They can impair one’s ability to carry out daily tasks, relate with family and friends, and can lead to feelings of frustration and fear.
Due to the dangers associated with shakes or tremors, individuals going through this part of alcohol withdrawal need close medical supervision and support.
What Causes Alcohol Tremors?
When detoxing from alcohol, alcohol shakes can happen sporadically or they may be constant. Typically, for moderate to severe drinkers, they may begin several hours after one’s last drink. The peak of the experience can occur 1 to 3 days after drinking. Tremors can last for at least a few weeks.
The effect alcohol has on the brain and central nervous system (CNS) is that of a depressant. Activity in these areas is slowed, and energy levels are reduced. To offset the sedative influence of alcohol, the brain emits excess neurotransmitters that enable an individual to become more alert and awake.
When one decides to stop drinking, the brain wrestles against the lack of alcohol, and withdrawal symptoms emerge such as the tremors. This is because the brain and CNS are striving to restore equilibrium.
It also explains why some people with alcohol dependency issues wake up with a need to have a drink. They want to stop the shaking.
Alcohol-Related Brain Damage
The cerebellum is located in the hindbrain, towards the brain stem. Its main functions are the coordination of movement, balance, and the regulation of motor skills.
Regular and heavy drinking can cause damage to the cerebellum. Such damage occurs progressively over the years. MRI scans show that this part of the brain shrinks with long-term use of alcohol. The contributing factor to this is the toxicity of the alcohol and the ensuing lack of nutrients caused by heavy drinking.
Cerebellar dysfunction is reflected in poor coordination, unsteadiness when walking or standing, and clumsiness. Good news is that damage to the brain can be minimized if the individual stops drinking.
Alcoholism And Peripheral Neuropathy
Excessive drinking can also harm the peripheral nervous system. This manifests as numbness, pain, or burning sensations in their extremities (peripheral neuropathy). Weakening of the muscles can also occur, as well as there is a decrease in the reflex action of tendons.
The main areas of the body that exhibit the most symptoms are the legs and feet. So, the diminished strength of the muscles and the lack of tendon response may cause one to have bouts of falling.
Phases Of Alcohol Withdrawal
As we mentioned, tremors are just one of the many signs that manifest when withdrawal from alcohol occurs. Signs of withdrawal start to show 5-6 hours after the last drink. There are several phases that one will pass through after ceasing to consume alcohol.
Phase 1 (5–12 hours after the last drink)
Symptoms of this stage are mild and include:
- Agitation
- Being anxious
- Difficulty sleeping
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Headaches
- Being nauseous
- Vomiting
- Heart palpitations
- Shakes/tremors
Phase 2 (12–24 hours after the last drink)
At this point of alcohol withdrawal, the signs are more moderate. This second stage is characterized by:
- Raised blood pressure
- The heart starts to beat faster
- Being confused or disoriented
- Hyperthermia
- The hands shake
- Breathing speeds up and becomes abnormal.
- Seizures
Phase 3 (48 hours or more after the last drink)
Two days after stopping drinking, the symptoms of withdrawal become severe. At this stage, the individual can encounter:
- High blood pressure
- Hallucinations (both auditory and visual)
- Fever and sweating
- Seizures
- Inability to pay attention.
- Trouble with sleeping
- Delirium Tremens
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal at each stage are dependent on several factors. These are:
- The period over which someone has been drinking
- How much alcohol has been consumed over that period
- One’s physiological makeup
- If there have been other substances taken at the same time
- Pre-existing medical conditions of the individual
However, the common signs exhibited by alcohol withdrawal are headaches, being anxious, and nausea.
Conclusion
Alcohol withdrawal can manifest as shakes or tremors.
These start to occur several hours after the last drink and progress, along with various other symptoms, in degree from mild to severe over 48 hours.
Prolonged and excessive alcohol abuse can damage the cerebellum, which regulates motor skills. If one doesn’t stop the alcohol abuse, this damage becomes permanent.
Withdrawal from alcohol isn’t something that should be done alone. Seek out support from family and medical professionals.
Reference Links
- The Priory Group – Alcohol Shakes and Tremors – a Sign of Alcoholism?
- Medical News Today – Understanding alcohol “shakes” and tremors
- DrugRehab.com – Why Alcoholics Have Uncontrolled Shakes
