Alcohol Tremors and What You Should Know
For many people, drinking alcohol is a way to relax and have fun. But for some, alcohol abuse can lead to serious health problems. One of these problems is tremors. Tremors are involuntary movements of the muscles. They can be caused by many things, including stress, fatigue, and certain medical conditions.
Alcohol tremor is a type of tremor that is often a sign of alcohol withdrawal. It usually affects the hands but can also affect the head, trunk, and legs. Alcohol tremor is also known as alcohol shakes and is often linked to delirium tremens or DTs.
This blog post will answer some common questions about alcohol addiction and tremors.
If you notice symptoms of an alcohol use disorder in yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for help.
Call Zinnia Health’s alcohol addiction hotline at (855) 430-9439.
What Causes Alcohol Tremors?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the cause of alcohol tremors can vary from person to person. However, experts believe that the condition is likely caused by a combination of factors, including dehydration, vitamin deficiencies, and withdrawal from alcohol.
1. Dehydration
Dehydration is a common side effect of drinking too much alcohol. When you drink heavily, your body eliminates more water than it takes in. This can lead to a loss of electrolytes, minerals that are essential in regulating muscle function. Without adequate electrolytes, your muscles cannot function properly, which can lead to trembling and shaking.
2. Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamin deficiencies are another possible cause of alcohol tremors. Heavy drinking can lead to vitamin B1 (thiamine) and B12 (cobalamin) deficiencies. These vitamins are essential for proper nerve function. A lack of either vitamin can lead to problems with muscle control, which may manifest as trembling and shaking.
3. Withdrawal from Alcohol
Finally, alcohol tremors may be caused by acute alcohol withdrawal. When you drink heavily regularly, your body becomes dependent on the drug to function normally. If you suddenly stop drinking or cut back sharply on your intake, your body may react negatively. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically appear within 6-12 hours after your last drink and can include tremors, fatigue, and headaches.
Does Alcohol Make Tremors Worse?
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. That means it slows down the messages between your brain and your body. When it does that, it can make tremors worse.
If you already have a medical condition that causes tremors, drinking alcohol will worsen your symptoms. If you don’t have a medical condition that causes tremors, drinking too much alcohol can still cause them.
Your body metabolizes alcohol differently depending on how much you drink and how often you drink. If you drink a lot at once, your body will have a harder time getting rid of the alcohol. That can make your tremors worse.
If you drink alcohol daily, your body may start to build up a tolerance to it. That means you’ll need to drink more to get the same effect. But drinking more alcohol will also make your tremors worse.
The best way to avoid making tremors worse is not to drink alcohol at all. If you do drink, only have a small amount. And give yourself plenty of time to sober up before doing anything that could be affected by your tremors, like driving or operating machinery.
What Can I Do About Hand Tremors?
Alcohol hand tremors are a common symptom of chronic alcohol abuse and can make everyday activities difficult or impossible to perform. If you are struggling with alcohol hand tremors, the best thing you can do is seek professional help.
Alcohol use disorder is a serious substance use disorder that requires professional treatment.
If you are a heavy drinker, quitting alcohol cold turkey can be dangerous and should only be done under medical supervision. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and may even lead to death.
If you are struggling with alcohol hand tremors, you should seek help from a medical professional or an addiction treatment center near you. Detox programs can help you safely and effectively withdraw from alcohol, and treatment programs can provide you with the tools and support you need to maintain sobriety. For alcohol dependence assistance, call Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439.
What Does Alcohol Do to the Body?
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver and then circulated throughout the body. Once in the bloodstream, alcohol affects every organ in the body.
Short-term effects of alcohol include impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, slurred speech, and blurred vision. Alcohol also causes your blood vessels to dilate, leading to an increased heart rate and a rise in body temperature. It also increases the production of stomach acid, which can lead to nausea and vomiting. In large quantities, alcohol can cause life-threatening respiratory failure.
Long-term effects of alcohol abuse include liver disease, pancreatitis, heart disease, certain types of cancer, brain damage, and vitamin deficiencies.
Alcohol can also cause neurological damage, resulting in memory, learning, and motor skills problems. Pregnant women who drink alcohol put themselves and their unborn children at risk for congenital disabilities and other health problems.
Like other types of drug abuse, alcohol abuse can also lead to social problems, such as financial difficulties, relationship problems, mental health, and legal problems. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, many resources are available to help.
While moderate consumption of alcohol may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that alcohol is a potentially harmful substance that should always be consumed in moderation.
Get Help For Alcohol Tremors
Alcohol abuse can lead to many health problems, including tremors. Tremors are involuntary muscle contractions that can cause shaking and make it difficult to perform activities such as writing or holding a glass. People with alcohol tremors may also have problems with balance and coordination.
If you think you or someone you know may have a problem with alcoholism, please seek professional help. Alcoholism is a serious illness, but it is treatable. With the help of a qualified substance abuse treatment program, people with alcoholism can recover and lead healthy, productive lives.
Contact Zinnia Health today.
Related Articles
- Alcohol Addiction Treatments
- Comparing The Alcohol Percentage Content In Drinks
- What Types of Medications Are Used to Treat Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?