Key Takeaways
- Alcohol shakes can be a symptom of alcohol withdrawal, which can range from mild to potentially serious.
- Nutrition, hydration, support, and relaxation techniques can support your well-being during recovery, but they do not replace medical treatment when it is needed.
- Because alcohol withdrawal affects everyone differently, talk with a healthcare professional if you are concerned about your symptoms or withdrawal risk.
Making the choice to quit drinking requires courage and bravery. The process of detoxing is challenging, especially if you experience alcohol shakes.
There is always light at the end of the tunnel though and you will get through that challenging time.
While natural approaches may help support your comfort and overall health, alcohol withdrawal can sometimes become medically dangerous. If you drink heavily or regularly, or are experiencing significant withdrawal symptoms, talk with a healthcare professional about the safest way to stop drinking.
What Causes Alcohol Shakes?
Alcohol shakes, or tremors, can occur when someone who has been drinking heavily or regularly suddenly reduces or stops drinking. They are a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal and may occur alongside anxiety, sweating, nausea, headache, or difficulty sleeping.
More severe alcohol withdrawal can cause serious complications, so it is important to pay attention to your symptoms and seek medical care when necessary.
Look to the Power of Natural Remedies to Control Your Alcohol Shakes
If you’re embarking on this life-changing journey, you need only to go into it prepared. Here are five things you’ll want to do.
1. Talk to a Healthcare Professional About Herbs and Supplements
Your liver takes the brunt of alcohol abuse. But your nervous system takes a hit too.
Although herbs and supplements are sometimes promoted as natural remedies for alcohol withdrawal, they should not be relied upon to treat withdrawal or prevent serious complications. Some herbs can also interact with medications or cause unwanted side effects.
If you are interested in using herbs or supplements as part of your recovery, discuss them with a healthcare professional first. This is particularly important during alcohol withdrawal, when symptoms can sometimes become more severe than expected.
2. Focus on a Healthy Diet
Before you begin the alcohol detox, shift to a healthy diet rich in lean proteins like chicken, eggs, fish and non-fatty meats. Add in a lot of raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, potatoes, beans and pasta.
Heavy alcohol use can contribute to nutritional deficiencies, so eating regular, balanced meals can help support your overall health during recovery. A healthcare professional can also determine whether you have specific nutritional needs.
Get in the habit of eating every three hours to avoid hunger that could lead to alcohol cravings, which will become more intense once the alcohol shakes set in.
Try to focus on balanced, nutritious foods rather than relying heavily on sugary snacks during recovery.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is important during alcohol withdrawal, especially if symptoms such as sweating, nausea, or vomiting are causing fluid loss.
Water is a simple way to help maintain hydration.
It’s okay to mix in a few electrolyte-rich sports drinks, particularly when fluids have been lost. Keep in mind, however, that hydration does not treat alcohol withdrawal itself or prevent serious withdrawal complications.
4. Enlist Your Support System
Be sure to line up a friend or family member to stay with you through the process. Having someone you trust nearby or regularly checking in can provide valuable emotional support during the early stages of recovery.
Having someone to talk to while you have the alcohol shakes can help.
Also, don’t expect to be going out anywhere. Once the withdrawal symptoms kick in, you’ll want to find healthy ways to occupy your time, with books, movies, games, or whatever will help you stay distracted from how you’re feeling.
A support person should not take the place of medical care if your withdrawal symptoms become severe or continue to worsen.
5. Practice Deep Breathing and Meditation
This is a natural remedy that doesn’t cost a cent. You just need to practice it.
Once you learn how to sit quietly and calm the mind and body with your breath, peace and comfort are at your disposal. That’s why many rehab facilities offer some form of mind-body awareness programming.
These are a great way to help manage stress and uncomfortable feelings that can accompany recovery. Deep breathing and meditation may promote relaxation, but they should not be considered treatments for potentially dangerous alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Can You Safely Manage Alcohol Shakes at Home?
There is no single home remedy that can guarantee alcohol withdrawal will be safe. The risk depends on factors such as how much and how often a person drinks, previous withdrawal experiences, current symptoms, and overall health.
For that reason, people experiencing alcohol shakes should not assume that herbs, water, food, or relaxation techniques are enough to safely manage withdrawal. If you are unsure about your risk, speak with a healthcare professional.
“When you’re ready to stop drinking, it’s easy to think you can just push through the shakes at home. But alcohol withdrawal can be unpredictable, and sometimes the strongest thing you can do is ask for help and make sure you’re going through it safely.”
— Taylor Brown, CRADC, Midwest Recovery Centers
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
Severe alcohol withdrawal can be a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, severe confusion or disorientation, loss of consciousness, or severe or rapidly worsening symptoms. If symptoms appear life-threatening, call 911.
We wish you the best of luck in your journey to quit drinking. Just remember, you don’t have to go it alone.
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use, Midwest Recovery Centers is here to help you explore your treatment and recovery options. Contact Midwest Recovery Centers to learn more about getting support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes alcohol shakes?
Alcohol shakes can occur when someone who regularly drinks alcohol suddenly reduces or stops drinking. They can be a symptom of alcohol withdrawal as the nervous system adjusts to the absence of alcohol.
How do you stop alcohol shakes?
The appropriate approach depends on the cause and severity of the shaking. Because alcohol withdrawal can become serious, a healthcare professional can help assess your symptoms and determine whether medical treatment or supervised detox is necessary.
Are there natural remedies for alcohol withdrawal?
Nutrition, hydration, relaxation techniques, and social support may help support overall well-being during recovery, but natural remedies should not be relied upon to prevent or treat serious alcohol withdrawal complications.
Is it safe to detox from alcohol at home?
It depends on the individual and their withdrawal risk. Because alcohol withdrawal can sometimes become dangerous, speak with a healthcare professional before attempting to detox from heavy or prolonged alcohol use at home.
How long do alcohol withdrawal shakes last?
The duration of alcohol shakes can vary based on drinking history, withdrawal severity, and individual health. Because symptoms can change as withdrawal progresses, persistent, severe, or worsening shaking should be medically evaluated.
Reviewed and Assessed by
Taylor Brown, B.A.Com., MAADC II