Shakes and tremors are some of the most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms. People who become physically dependent on alcohol will adapt to the presence of this drug in their systems and require it for everyday functioning. Abrupt discontinuation of alcohol can upset normal functioning for those who are alcohol-dependent and lead to a range of withdrawal symptoms, including shakes and tremors.
Here’s a closer look at alcohol dependence and withdrawal, and at how alcohol and drug detox may help minimize and treat withdrawal symptoms.
What Is Alcohol Dependence?
Alcohol dependence is characterized by a set of withdrawal symptoms when a person suddenly stops or reduces alcohol use. Alcohol dependence can occur after you become tolerant of a certain amount of alcohol. The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines tolerance as when the body stops responding to a certain amount of alcohol and needs higher amounts to feel the effects. Over time, as a person starts drinking higher amounts of alcohol, their body may become dependent on this substance.
The CDC reports that an estimated 10.2% of people who drink excessively are dependent on alcohol. Excessive drinking is defined as binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any drinking by people younger than 21 or pregnant women. Binge drinking is at least four drinks during a single occasion for women and at least five drinks during a single occasion for men. Heavy drinking is at least eight drinks per week for women and at least 15 drinks per week for men.
What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?
According to the World Health Organization, symptoms can begin within six hours after the last drink and last for up to 10 days or longer. There are three distinct stages. Knowing these stages can help you prepare for what’s to come.
- Stage 1: Early Symptoms (6–12 hours): You might start feeling restless, anxious, and even a little irritable. Physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, and tremors could set in, mimicking the feeling of a severe hangover.
- Stage 2: Moderate Symptoms (12–48 hours): As your body continues to detoxify, these symptoms can intensify. You may experience things like high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. Some individuals may also begin to feel fatigued or even have trouble sleeping.
- Stage 3: Severe Symptoms (48–72 hours): In the final stage, your body can experience the most intense reactions. For some, this could mean confusion, hallucinations, or even seizures. These serious symptoms require professional help, especially if they are prolonged.
Each stage is unique, and the severity of symptoms varies based on factors like your alcohol consumption history. Keep in mind, alcohol withdrawal can be serious, so if things escalate, don’t hesitate to seek medical assistance.
Health Complications in Alcohol Withdrawal
Individuals with chronic issues like liver disease, cardiovascular problems, or mental health disorders face higher risks during alcohol withdrawal. Symptoms like high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and medical supervision are essential.
Shakes and tremors that occur during alcohol withdrawal are caused by changes in the brain and body from chronic alcohol abuse and heavy drinking. Heavy drinking interacts with the body’s production of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. GABA plays an important role in central nervous system functions, including motor control. This upset in the body’s levels of GABA is what contributes to shaking, tremors, sweating, and many other symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, according to the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience.
As we age, the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol decreases. This, combined with the increased risk of medication interactions, can lead to serious complications during withdrawal. Symptoms that would be mild in younger individuals, like confusion or mood swings, can be exacerbated in seniors, leading to a higher risk of falls, dehydration, or heart issues.
An estimated 5% of people going through alcohol withdrawal experience a severe syndrome called delirium tremens. Delirium tremens is characterized by severe tremors, along with severe confusion, agitation, fever, rapid heart rate, delusions, and hallucinations. When left untreated, this form of alcohol withdrawal can lead to complications including hyperpyrexia, ketoacidosis, heart failure, and death.
Why You Should Never Detox Alone
While the idea of quitting alcohol on your own might seem empowering, alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous if not properly managed. Detoxing at home can be life-threatening, especially for those who have been drinking heavily or for an extended period.
Professional medical detox programs ensure that your body goes through withdrawal safely, with constant monitoring by healthcare providers. Symptoms like hallucinations, seizures, or delirium tremens are serious and require immediate medical intervention. These complications are more common in people who have been drinking for years or have underlying medical conditions. A medical detox center is fully equipped to handle these severe cases and can provide medications to ease symptoms and reduce withdrawal risks.
America’s Rehab Campuses offers medical detox services to help people safely recover from drug and alcohol dependence. If you or a loved one is dependent on alcohol and needs help getting through withdrawal, call us today at 833-272-7342 to confirm your insurance benefits and begin a drug rehab program.
