Key takeaways
- Alcohol shakes are a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal, and they can also happen after heavy drinking or if you have low blood sugar. Learn more in What are alcohol shakes.
- Shakes usually begin within a few hours after the last drink, often peaking 24 to 72 hours into alcohol withdrawal. See the detailed Timeline and how long alcohol shakes last.
- Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, or delirium tremens are medical emergencies. Know when to act in When to seek immediate medical attention.
- Treating alcohol shakes safely often requires medical detox, steady blood sugar, hydration, sleep, and appropriate treatment for alcohol use disorder. Find out How to stop alcohol shakes safely.
- For Boise and Meridian residents, Zelus Recovery offers medically monitored alcohol detox and ongoing support. Learn about How Zelus Recovery treats alcohol shakes.
- Have questions? Check the FAQs for more information.
Alcohol shakes, also called alcohol tremors, are involuntary shaking that can happen after drinking alcohol or when someone with alcohol dependence starts alcohol withdrawal. Shakes often start in the hands, but they can involve the arms, legs, head, or voice. If you are experiencing alcohol shakes in Meridian or the greater Boise area, know that help is available. Zelus Recovery provides safe, evidence-based alcohol detox for adults and adolescents in Idaho.
Alcohol detox treatment in Idaho can help you manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent seizures, and begin recovery with medical supervision.
What are alcohol shakes?
Alcohol shakes are involuntary shaking caused by the nervous system’s response to alcohol intake or the lack of alcohol after regular alcohol consumption. In casual drinkers, tremors can be brief, caused by low blood sugar, dehydration, poor sleep, or caffeine. In people with alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder, alcohol shakes are a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and can be a sign that medical treatment is needed. Shakes are a common symptom, yet the context matters. Several factors influence severity, and the safest plan is guided by professional help.
Why you get the shakes after drinking alcohol
Alcohol affects the central nervous system and the body’s stress systems. Here is why alcohol shakes occur:
- Neurotransmitter rebound. Alcohol suppresses the brain’s calming GABA system and increases the activity of glutamate over time. When you stop drinking alcohol suddenly, the nervous system becomes overactive, which produces withdrawal tremors, anxiety, sweating, and other withdrawal symptoms. This is the body’s reaction to the loss of alcohol’s sedating effect and explains why tremors worse during early withdrawal. See the Cleveland Clinic overview of the alcohol withdrawal timeline and risks.
- Low blood sugar. Alcohol can lower blood sugar, especially after drinking heavily or skipping meals. Low blood sugar causes shakiness, racing heart, and sweating. Keeping blood sugar stable can reduce involuntary shaking and muscle spasms. Review hypoglycemia symptoms at the Mayo Clinic.
- Dehydration and poor sleep. Both can worsen tremors and other mild withdrawal symptoms by stressing the nervous system.
- Chronic alcohol consumption and nutrient gaps. Long periods of regular alcohol consumption can deplete essential nutrients, including B vitamins, which the nervous system needs for normal brain function.
Alcohol withdrawal tremors timeline and how long alcohol shakes last
For people with alcohol addiction or long-term heavy drinking, alcohol shakes are part of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The timeline below describes what many experience, although several factors such as overall health and drinking patterns can shift this window:
- A few hours after the last drink: Mild withdrawal symptoms may begin, including shaky hands, anxiety, sweating, nausea, and trouble sleeping. For some, withdrawal tremors can start within 6 to 12 hours.
- 12 to 24 hours after the last drink: Tremors may continue, and other withdrawal symptoms can appear. Some people experience hallucinations in this period.
- 24 to 48 hours after the last drink: Seizure risk is highest in this window, which is why medical supervision is important to prevent seizures.
- 48 to 72 hours after the last drink: Symptoms often peak. Delirium tremens, also called DTs, may develop in this period. DTs can include severe confusion, high heart rate, fever, and severe tremors. DTs are life threatening and need immediate medical care. See MedlinePlus for details on alcohol withdrawal and delirium tremens.
- Days 4 to 7: Many people feel better by the end of the first week, although sleep problems and mood changes can linger.
- Weeks 2 to 4: Some physical symptoms fade, but sleep, anxiety, and cravings can persist as the nervous system continues to rebalance.
How long alcohol shakes last depends on alcohol intake, the presence of alcohol dependence, and overall health. For casual drinkers with low blood sugar, shakes may resolve within a few hours after a meal and rest. In alcohol withdrawal, alcohol shakes last several days for many, with the worst shaking typically within 24 to 72 hours.
When alcohol shakes mean you need immediate medical attention
Call 911 or seek immediate medical attention if you or someone near you has any of the following severe withdrawal symptoms, which can be life threatening:
- Seizures
- Severe confusion, agitation, or hallucinations
- High fever, very fast heart rate, or very high blood pressure
- Vomiting that will not stop, chest pain, trouble breathing, or fainting
Early medical supervision lowers the risk of serious complications. Clinical guidelines from the American Society of Addiction Medicine can help inform appropriate treatment decisions.
How to stop alcohol shakes safely
Treating alcohol shakes starts with safety, and the right plan depends on your situation.
- Get medical supervision. If you have a history of drinking heavily, past withdrawal, seizures, or any major health condition, do not try to detox alone. Medical detox, also called medical detoxification, can reduce severe withdrawal and prevent seizures.
- Do not drink to make shakes stop. Drinking alcohol to quiet withdrawal tremors can worsen dependence and raise the risk of severe withdrawal later.
- Keep blood sugar stable. Low blood sugar can worsen tremors. Eat small, balanced meals with complex carbohydrates and protein, for example fruit with yogurt or eggs with whole grains. If you feel shaky and suspect low blood sugar, a quick source of glucose followed by a balanced snack can help steady blood sugar.
- Hydrate and rest. Water or an oral rehydration solution supports the body’s ability to regulate the nervous system’s response. Prioritize sleep.
- Use calming skills. Slow, deep breathing and brief, guided relaxation can lower the nervous system’s arousal. Even a few minutes can help while you wait for medical advice.
- Support nutrition. In alcohol withdrawal, clinicians often recommend nutritional supplements such as B vitamins, including thiamine, to support brain function. Ask your clinician before taking any supplements.
- Avoid caffeine and stimulants. These can worsen tremors worse during early recovery.
- Plan appropriate treatment. Alcohol detox is the first step, not the finish line. A treatment plan often includes therapy, medications if appropriate, and ongoing support to build an alcohol free life.
If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms now, or if severe tremors, chest pain, or severe confusion appear, seek medical attention immediately.
How Zelus Recovery treats alcohol shakes during detox
At Zelus Recovery, safety comes first. During alcohol detox, our team monitors physical symptoms like withdrawal tremors and other withdrawal symptoms, checks vital signs, and supports hydration and nutrition. Medical supervision helps manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms and reduces the chance of serious complications. When indicated, medications may be used as part of appropriate treatment to reduce severe withdrawal symptoms and prevent seizures, based on your health history and the ASAM framework.
- Start with supervised alcohol detox. Learn more about alcohol detox treatment in Idaho.
- Understand the condition. If you want a deeper overview of alcohol use, see our alcohol use disorder resources and alcohol dependence information.
- Local support. Our Meridian drug and alcohol rehab page explains our commitment to the Treasure Valley community.
We serve adults and adolescents in Meridian, Boise, and nearby communities. If you are experiencing alcohol shakes, our team will help you choose the safest level of care, then support your next steps toward long-term recovery.
Start safe, local support for alcohol shakes
If you are experiencing alcohol shakes in Meridian or Boise, begin with supervised care. Explore alcohol detox treatment in Idaho and learn about alcohol use disorder resources. Zelus Recovery can help you stop alcohol shakes safely and build an alcohol free life with compassionate, professional help. Contact us today to get started.
FAQs about alcohol shakes
Why do I get the shakes after drinking alcohol?
There are two main reasons. First, the central nervous system adapts to alcohol. When alcohol intake drops, the nervous system becomes overactive, which produces withdrawal tremors. Second, low blood sugar after drinking can trigger shakiness. Heavy drinking, poor sleep, and dehydration can worsen tremors.
What do alcoholic tremors look like?
They often appear as rhythmic shaking of the hands, especially when holding them out or trying to do tasks like writing or drinking from a cup. Severe tremors can involve the arms, head, or voice and can interfere with daily activities.
How long do shakes last from alcohol?
For casual drinkers with low blood sugar or poor sleep, shakes may resolve within hours after food and rest. In alcohol withdrawal, alcohol shakes last several days for many people, with a peak around 24 to 72 hours after the last drink. Some other mild withdrawal symptoms like sleep problems can last weeks.
How do you treat alcoholic tremors?
Treating alcohol shakes safely depends on the cause. For alcohol withdrawal tremors, medical detox and medical treatment reduce risk and discomfort. Stable blood sugar, hydration, a balanced diet, and rest are important. Deep breathing can reduce anxiety-driven shaking. If severe symptoms appear, seek immediate medical attention.
Why does an individual with alcohol dependence get the shakes?
Chronic alcohol use changes how the nervous system works. Alcohol suppresses calming signals. When alcohol is removed, the nervous system’s response overshoots, leading to tremors, sweating, and other physical symptoms.
How long is alcohol withdrawal?
Most people notice symptoms within 6 to 24 hours after the last drink, with a peak at 24 to 72 hours. Some symptoms, especially sleep and mood changes, can last beyond the first week.
Do you get the shakes when you stop drinking?
If you have alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder, yes, alcohol shakes are a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Not everyone will have tremors, but withdrawal symptoms are common and can vary.
What are delirium tremens and why are they dangerous?
Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal with severe confusion, fever, high heart rate, and severe tremors. DTs can be life threatening and requires urgent care.
How does medical detox help stop alcohol shakes?
Medical detox provides medical supervision, medications when indicated, fluids, nutrition, and monitoring to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, reduce severe withdrawal, and prevent seizures.
How long does it take for your body to recover from quitting alcohol?
Many physical symptoms improve in the first week. Sleep, mood, and energy can continue to improve over several weeks. Recovery of overall health depends on prior alcohol use, coexisting conditions, and continued support.
