By: Zinnia Healing Editorial Staff | Edited By: Rebecca Hill
Exploring Alcohol-Induced Shaky Hands, Tremors, or “The Shakes”
Shaky hands, or tremors, can be a symptom of a wide range of medical conditions. In some cases, alcohol consumption may be the cause of shaky hands. Alcohol-induced trembling is often referred to as delirium tremens, the DTs, alcohol tremors, or alcohol shakes. It is caused by excessively drinking alcohol over an extended period.
If you or your loved one are struggling with alcohol use, Zinnia Healing is here to help. Our knowledgeable and compassionate staff are available 24/7 via our helpline at (855) 430-9439 to assist with any questions and provide the help needed to lead a healthier life free from the grips of alcohol addiction.
Is It Normal to Have Shaky Hands After Drinking?
Having shaky hands after drinking is a common symptom of over-consuming alcohol. Even if you don’t feel intoxicated, drinking too much can still lead to trembling hands.
While shaking may be embarrassing or concerning, it is relatively normal and usually only a temporary effect of consuming too much alcohol.
How Do I Stop Shaking the Day After Drinking?
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 shakes. While these shakes can be quite embarrassing and annoying, it may help to remember that it is a sign of your body’s natural recovery from the previous night’s drinking.
One of the best ways to recover quickly and stop shaking is to replenish your body with hydration. Making sure you stay hydrated by drinking lots of water or electrolyte drinks can help the nervous system detox after drinking alcohol.
Eating well-balanced meals full of protein and healthy fats can also get your body back on track.
How Do You Get Rid of Hand Shakes After Drinking?
There are other simple ways to reduce the frequency of hand shakes. One can use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and visualizing calming images, to help reduce stress levels.
Adding vitamins to your diet can also help strengthen muscles affected by the shakes. Ask your doctor about appropriate supplements.
Dealing with a drinking problem and trying to quit drinking can be challenging, but you’re not alone. Our unique program at Zinnia Healing provides comprehensive alcohol abuse treatment. We understand this process is challenging, and we are here for you 24/7. Call our addiction treatment helpline at (855) 430-9439 to find a treatment center near you.
Do Tremors Go Away When You Stop Drinking?
When alcohol addiction is present, tremors are often a sign of alcohol withdrawal. However, the good news is that these tremors can become less severe and eventually disappear when a person abstains from drinking.
Depending on the individual’s overall health and their addiction’s length of time, it may take some time to truly diminish. 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.
How Long Does Shakiness Last After Drinking?
After consuming alcohol, it is not uncommon to experience a period of shakiness. How long this shaking lasts depends on the individual and the amount of alcohol consumed. In most cases, if you are only slightly buzzed or tipsy, your trembling should stop within a few minutes.
However, if you have had too much to drink and feel more than “tipsy,” your shaky feeling and physical symptoms can last more than an hour, depending on how quickly your body metabolizes the alcohol.
Remember that drinking too much can put you at risk for dehydration, which can lead to more intense episodes of shakiness even after the alcohol has left your system. Stay hydrated by drinking water between drinks and after your last drink. Finally, know when it is time to call it a night.
Why Do I Get Shakes After Drinking?
Waking up with mild tremors is a common phenomenon known colloquially as the “morning shakes.” The cause of this can range from low blood sugar, prolonged caffeine, high blood pressure, alcohol consumption, or even dehydration.
Hand shakes can be caused by various health issues, ranging from benign to serious. Common causes include muscle weakness and muscle cramps due to dehydration, low blood sugar, nerve-related problems, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis, may also cause hand shakes, as well as stress, anxiety, and fear.
What Are the Effects of Alcohol on Hand Tremors?
Alcohol abuse can lead to a wide range of physical and mental health side effects, with hand tremors among the more visible ones. As alcohol levels in the body rise, tremors typically become more severe and can even cause difficulty with simple motor control tasks, such as writing and picking up objects.
Fortunately, quitting drinking or decreasing intake tends to reduce tremor severity ― although full resolution might take months or years, depending on the duration of excessive drinking. Supportive counseling and medication therapy may also help reduce tremors caused by alcoholism.
If you or someone you know is affected by alcohol-related hand tremor issues, it could indicate a more significant problem related to life-threatening alcohol abuse.
Do You Have Shaky Hands When You Drink Alcohol?
Drinking alcohol can come with unwanted symptoms like shaking. This can be embarrassing, concerning, and inconvenient. Nerves and low blood sugar are two primary causes of alcohol-induced shakes. If you feel shaky after having a drink or two, eat something before drinking and take your time when consuming beverages. Your body will thank you later.
At Zinnia Healing, we are dedicated to helping those struggling with alcohol addiction 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.