Trembling hands, also known as shaky hands or tremors, can signal various medical issues. Sometimes, excessive alcohol consumption can be the culprit behind these shaky hands. When alcohol leads to trembling, it’s frequently labeled as “delirium tremens” or simply “the DTs.” (1)(2)
These tremors are also called “alcohol tremors” or “alcohol shakes.” (3) This condition occurs when someone drinks alcohol excessively for a prolonged period.
What are Alcohol Shakes?
Experiencing shaky hands after drinking is a frequent outcome of excessive alcohol consumption. It’s important to remember that even if you don’t feel drunk, consuming too much alcohol can still lead to trembling hands.
This phenomenon is often referred to as the “morning shakes,” and it is a common occurrence when drinking large amounts of alcohol.
Morning shakes can result from various factors, including the following:
- low blood sugar
- prolonged caffeine intake
- high blood pressure
- alcohol consumption
- dehydration
Handshakes can be caused by various health issues, ranging from benign to life-threatening. Common causes include muscle weakness and muscle cramps due to dehydration, low blood sugar, nerve-related problems, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Neurological diseases like Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis and mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and fear can contribute to hand tremors. (4) (5)
Alcohol Tremors vs. Delirium Tremens
Alcohol Tremors
Alcohol tremors, often known as the “morning shakes,” are a common physical response to excessive alcohol consumption or binge drinking. They result from the central nervous system’s adjustment to the absence of alcohol. (6)
- Causes: These tremors occur when blood alcohol levels drop after drinking. The brain and body react to the absence of alcohol, leading to involuntary hand trembling.
- Symptoms: Symptoms typically include mild to moderate hand tremors, increased heart rate, anxiety, and nervousness. These symptoms are generally short-lived and resolve as the body readjusts to sobriety. (2)
Delirium Tremens (DTs)
Delirium Tremens, often called DTs, is a severe and life-threatening condition that can occur during alcohol withdrawal. A sudden and severe disturbance in mental function characterizes it.
- Causes: DTs are primarily caused by abrupt cessation of heavy alcohol use, especially in individuals with a long history of alcoholism. It is more common when alcohol withdrawal is not managed properly.
- Symptoms: The symptoms of DTs are extreme and can include severe confusion, hallucinations, agitation, fever, seizures, and cardiovascular instability. Delirium Tremens is a medical emergency and requires immediate professional intervention. (1)
Other Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal is often accompanied by a range of distressing symptoms, with the presence of alcohol tremors not always guaranteed. (7)
Here’s a complete overview of some common alcohol withdrawal symptoms and side effects:
- Anxiety: Anxiety is a prevalent symptom during alcohol withdrawal. It may manifest as excessive worry, restlessness, and a sense of unease. This is because it is a depressant, so these symptoms and side effects are common for heavy drinkers.
- Sweating: Profuse sweating, known as alcohol fever, even in cool conditions, is another common symptom. This can be particularly uncomfortable and often accompanies the anxiety experienced during withdrawal.
- Hallucinations: Some individuals undergoing alcohol withdrawal from alcohol addiction may experience hallucinations, which can be visual, auditory, or tactile. These hallucinations can be disturbing and contribute to feelings of extreme distress.
- Alcohol tremors: While alcohol tremors, or the “morning shakes,” are recognized symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, they are not experienced by everyone. These tremors are the effects of alcohol and primarily occur as the body adjusts to reduced alcohol levels. As a disclaimer, these can be anywhere from mild to severe.
It’s important to note that the severity and combination of symptoms during alcohol withdrawal can vary widely from person to person. While alcohol tremors are a common sign of alcohol withdrawal, not everyone undergoing alcohol withdrawal will necessarily experience them.
Physiological and Neurological Causes of Alcohol-Induced Shakes
The causes of alcohol-induced shakes are rooted in complex physiological and neurological factors. One significant contributor is the disruption of neurotransmitters, chemicals that relay messages within the brain.
Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to an imbalance in these neurotransmitters, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, which are essential in regulating brain activity. (8) Additionally, alcohol’s impact on the central nervous system can lead to alterations in brain chemistry, causing increased excitability and uncontrolled muscle movements. (9)
Conditions often associated with alcohol abuse or heavy drinking, such as liver disease and alcohol-related brain damage, can further exacerbate these symptoms.
How to Stop Shaky Hands After Drinking Alcohol
The day after consuming too many alcoholic beverages can be quite an uncomfortable experience. Often, those who suffer from it are plagued with trembling hands or other body shakiness.
While these shakes can be quite embarrassing and a severe form of alcohol withdrawal, it may help to remember that it is a sign of your body’s natural recovery from the previous night’s drinking.
Self-Help Remedies
- Hydration: Drinking ample water, herbal teas, or electrolyte-rich beverages helps flush alcohol toxins from your system and alleviates dehydration, which can exacerbate trembling hands. (10)
- Nutrient-rich diet: A balanced diet filled with proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates can stabilize your blood sugar levels and provide essential nutrients for muscle and nervous system recovery.
- Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and visualizing calming scenarios can reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to the reduction of hand tremors.
- Vitamins and supplements: Consult a healthcare professional to determine which vitamins or supplements may benefit you. Vitamin B-complex and magnesium supplements are often considered for their muscle-strengthening properties. (11)
Medical Treatments
- Professional detoxification: In severe cases of alcohol withdrawal, especially with significant tremors, professional detoxification in a medical facility may be necessary. Medical experts can administer medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and provide round-the-clock monitoring. (12)
- Medications: Certain medications, such as benzodiazepines or antipsychotics, may be prescribed by a healthcare provider to manage severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms and associated tremors. (13)
- Outpatient support: An outpatient treatment program, including counseling and therapy, can be invaluable for individuals struggling with alcohol-related tremors, substance abuse, or a drinking problem. These programs offer emotional support and coping strategies.
- Medical supervision: Seeking medical guidance is crucial when experiencing severe or persistent alcohol-induced tremors. A healthcare professional can conduct a thorough assessment and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan, and treatment center for your specific situation.
Do Alcohol Tremors Go Away if You Quit Drinking?
When alcohol addiction is present, tremors often indicate alcohol withdrawal. However, the good news is that these tremors can become less severe and eventually disappear when a person abstains from drinking. (14)
Depending on the individual’s overall health, their addiction’s length of time, and their alcohol dependence, it may take some time to diminish truly. The person might experience some short-term improvements while abstaining.
It’s important to remember that if physical symptoms persist even when someone isn’t drinking, they should seek advice from a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Ready to Get Professional Help?
Experiencing alcohol-induced shakes can be uncomfortable and concerning, often linked to nervousness and low blood sugar. Professional assistance is available in various forms, including medical consultation, therapy, outpatient programs, and inpatient treatment.
These options offer benefits such as a better understanding of alcohol-related issues and substance use, developing coping strategies, medical guidance, and a supportive environment to address underlying causes. Seeking professional help yourself or urging your loved one to, can significantly improve your well-being, allowing you to regain control over your alcohol consumption and effectively manage symptoms like shaking.
At Zinnia Health, we are dedicated to helping those struggling with alcohol addiction or substance abuse find their way out of the darkness and into recovery. With our inpatient alcohol detox facilities and supportive care, we will give you the tools to quit drinking for good. We understand that giving up alcohol can be difficult, so relapse prevention is one of our core focuses. Call us today at (855) 430-9439 to get started on the road to recovery.
Citations
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/delirium-tremens
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1540391/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4058757/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/tremor
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8654316/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6761819/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22857-gamma-aminobutyric-acid-gaba
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC165791/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8465972/
- https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/vitamins-and-minerals.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64116/
- https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/quality-science/the_asam_clinical_practice_guideline_on_alcohol-1.pdf
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/cycle-alcohol-addiction
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