Alcohol shakes, also known as alcohol tremors, are involuntary muscle movements that often appear in people experiencing alcohol withdrawal. These tremors are a common sign of physical alcohol dependence and can range from mild hand shaking to severe body tremors. Understanding what causes alcohol shakes, how to get rid of shakes after drinking, and when to seek professional treatment is essential for recovery and long-term health.
ChoicePoint offers outpatient alcohol detox in NJ to reduce the risk of fatal withdrawal symptoms. Call 844.445.2565 to schedule an appointment.
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Please note that this assessment is an initial self-screening and is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.
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What Are Alcohol Shakes?
Alcohol shakes are involuntary body tremors or rhythmic shaking that occur when someone who regularly drinks suddenly stops cold turkey or reduces alcohol intake. 1 These are one of the most common signs of alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol shakes usually happen because the brain and nervous system get overstimulated without the sedative effect of alcohol. 2
Alcohol Shakes vs. Alcohol Tremors: How to Tell the Difference?
Both alcohol shakes and alcohol tremors are essentially similar terms. Alcohol shakes is the common term, while alcohol tremors is the medical name for the same condition. Both describe muscle shaking caused by the body’s reaction to reduced alcohol intake.
What Does Alcohol Shakes Feel Like? Alcohol Shake Symptoms
People describe alcohol shakes as a persistent trembling or jittery sensation that may worsen with stress, caffeine, or fatigue. These sensations can cause:
- Shaking hands or fingers
- Muscle twitches or spasms
- Anxiety, sweating, and irritability
- Trouble writing, eating, or performing fine motor tasks
According to Harvard Health, for many, alcohol shakes are accompanied by restlessness, nausea, and increased heart rate, signaling the body’s dependence on alcohol and its struggle to regain balance. 3
Why Am I Shaking After Drinking Alcohol? Why Do Alcohol Shakes Happen?
Alcohol depresses the central nervous system (CNS). Over time, the brain compensates by increasing excitatory activity. When a person suddenly stops drinking, the CNS becomes overactive, leading to tremors, anxiety, and other withdrawal symptoms (NIH) . 4
In simpler terms, alcohol shakes happen because the body is trying to regain normal functioning after losing the sedative effects of alcohol. This hyperactivity causes muscles to tremble uncontrollably until the nervous system returns to normal stability. 4
Can Alcohol Shakes Be Reversed? Do Alcohol Shakes Go Away?
Do alcohol shakes go away? Yes, Jessica Plonchak (LCDAS) says alcohol shakes can be reversed once you stop drinking and sober up from alcohol. The tremors are usually temporary withdrawal symptoms, often improving within a few days as your nervous system stabilizes.
However, you must understand that severe alcohol withdrawal requires immediate medical assistance, so do not undermine the signs of needing medical alcohol detox. Proper hydration, balanced nutrition, rest, medical detox, or prescribed medications for AUD reduce the risk of tremors and seizures and may speed up the recovery.
When Do Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes Start?
Alcohol withdrawal shakes usually begin 5 to 10 hours after the last drink, though timing varies depending on alcohol use history and individual health. 3
For moderate users, tremors may appear within a day. For long-term heavy drinkers, they may start earlier and be accompanied by other withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, nausea, sweating, and rapid heartbeat. People experiencing tremors should look out for signs of Delirium Tremens, a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical help. Symptoms include: confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and disorientation. 5
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Executive Clinical Director at ChoicePoint
Why Alcoholics Shake in the Morning?Alcoholics often shake in the morning because their blood alcohol levels drop overnight, triggering withdrawal symptoms as the nervous system becomes overactive. These tremors usually ease after drinking again, which may be a sign of dependence.
Can Alcohol Shakes be Permanent?In most cases, alcohol shakes improve with detox and treatment, but if nerve damage (alcohol-related neuropathy) has occurred, the tremors can become permanent without proper medical care.
How Long Do Alcohol Shakes Last?
Alcohol shakes usually start within 6-8 hours and may peak around 24-72 hours. For most people, tremors fade within 3-5 days. However, in severe withdrawal or long-term alcohol use, shakes can last up to a week or more and may require medical treatment for safe recovery. (More information: alcohol withdrawal timeline)
How to Get Rid of Alcohol Shakes Fast at Home?
How to get rid of shakes after drinking? While a medical alcohol detox is the safest option, some home remedies may help to ease mild alcohol shakes.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and electrolyte drinks
- Eat nutritious meals with proteins, citrus foods, and whole grains.
- Rest and sleep to help your body recover
- Take vitamin B and magnesium (only after your doctor’s approval)
- Practice relaxation techniques
Alcohol Shakes and Signs of Addiction
Treatment for Alcohol Shakes and Withdrawal
While home detox or options like detox drinks for alcohol may sound like an attractive option, it is not the safest way to treat alcohol withdrawal and get alcohol out of your system. Treatment for alcohol shakes focuses on medical detoxification, medication-assisted stabilization, and behavioral therapy. At licensed detox centers in NJ, clients are supervised by addiction specialists to minimize the risks associated with withdrawal.
Professional alcohol treatment programs in NJ include:
1. Outpatient vs. Inpatient Detox for Tremors
The decision between outpatient and inpatient rehab depends on the intensity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and the person’s overall health.
| Inpatient Alcohol Detox |
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| Outpatient Alcohol Detox |
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At ChoicePoint, clients undergo a thorough alcohol and drug evaluation to determine whether outpatient or inpatient detox is the safest and most effective route for managing alcohol tremors. Call 844.445.2565 for personalized assistance.
2. Medications Used to Manage Alcohol Shakes and Withdrawal
Medications play a vital role in reducing alcohol shakes and preventing complications during detox. Addiction specialists may prescribe:
- Benzodiazepines (such as Lorazepam or Diazepam) are used to calm the nervous system and prevent seizures.
- Anticonvulsants (such as Gabapentin or Carbamazepine) for mild to moderate withdrawal management
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1) to prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
- Beta-blockers or clonidine to manage elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
Once the risk of alcohol tremors subsides, you may be recommended maintenance medications to control your drinking urges, such as:
Call 844.445.2565 for same-day rehab, appointments, and online alcohol medication prescription.
3. Behavioral Therapy and Long-Term Recovery Plans
While medical detox helps manage the physical symptoms of withdrawal, lasting recovery requires addressing the psychological causes of addiction. Behavioral therapies offered at New Jersey treatment centers often include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help identify and modify negative thought patterns
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation and distress tolerance
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) to strengthen internal motivation for sobriety
- Family and group therapy for improved communication and support
- Relapse prevention planning to maintain long-term recovery
Client Review
"When I first arrived at ChoicePoint for detox, my hands were shaking so badly I couldn’t hold a cup of water. The medical team acted immediately, providing medication and constant support. Within two days, the tremors eased. After completing detox, I joined outpatient therapy, where I learned healthier coping mechanisms. I’ve now been alcohol-free for over six months
FAQs Related To Alcohol Withdrawal and Shakes
Find answers to the most asked questions:
1. Can You Experience Alcohol Shakes Even if You Rarely Drink?
Occasional drinkers rarely experience true alcohol withdrawal tremors. However, mild shakiness can occur after a night of heavy drinking due to dehydration, low blood sugar, or fatigue.
2. What to Do If You Have Alcohol Shakes
If you notice tremors after stopping alcohol use, seek medical help immediately. Do not attempt to detox on your own. Medical professionals can safely manage withdrawal and prevent complications.
3. What do Alcoholic Tremors Look Like?
Alcoholic tremors typically present as involuntary shaking of the hands or fingers, especially noticeable when trying to hold objects. In more severe cases, tremors may extend to the head, arms, or legs.
4. How Do You Treat Alcoholic Tremors?
Treatment involves medical detox, symptom management through prescribed medications, and hydration. Following detox, therapy, and relapse prevention programs are crucial to maintaining sobriety.
5. How to Get Rid of Alcohol Shakes After a Hangover?
Shakes after a hangover are usually temporary. Rest, hydration, and balanced nutrition may help. However, if tremors persist or worsen, it may indicate alcohol dependence and should be evaluated by a medical provider.
Refererence
- Koller, W., O’Hara, R., Dorus, W., & Bauer, J. (1985). Tremor in chronic alcoholism. Neurology, 35(11), 1660–1662. https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.35.11.1660
- Jesse, S., Bråthen, G., Ferrara, M., Keindl, M., Ben-Menachem, E., Tanasescu, R., Brodtkorb, E., Hillbom, M., Leone, M. A., & Ludolph, A. C. (2017). Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: mechanisms, manifestations, and management. Acta neurologica Scandinavica, 135(1), 4–16.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ane.12671 - Harvard Health Publishing. (2024, November 5). Alcohol withdrawal. Harvard Health.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/alcohol-withdrawal-a-to-z - 4. Jesse, S., Bråthen, G., Ferrara, M., Keindl, M., Ben-Menachem, E., Tanasescu, R., Brodtkorb, E., Hillbom, M., Leone, M. A., & Ludolph, A. C. (2017). Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: mechanisms, manifestations, and management. Acta neurologica Scandinavica, 135(1), 4–16.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ane.12671 - 5. Grover, S., & Ghosh, A. (2018). Delirium Tremens: Assessment and Management. Journal of clinical and experimental hepatology, 8(4), 460–470.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jceh.2018.04.012
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.
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