How Long Do Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes Last? Timeline, Symptoms & Relief

Alcohol withdrawal is one of the most difficult parts of recovery. It can be a scary period where you experience various symptoms.

Tremors or alcohol shakes, in particular, are one of the most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Today, we discuss how long these alcohol withdrawal shakes last and share steps you can take to manage your symptoms.

What Are Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes?

Alcohol withdrawal shakes are the involuntary trembling, usually in the hands, that can happen after alcohol use. In severe cases, the shakiness may even spread to your arms, legs, and head.

Alcohol tremors or shakes occur because alcohol affects the central nervous system.

If you consume too much alcohol, you suppress excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate. At the same time, alcohol enhances gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which plays a role in calming the nervous system.

After prolonged usage of alcohol, your body compensates for the changes. It reduces GABA production and increases glutamate activity to maintain balance.

When you suddenly stop drinking, the neurotransmitter balance is disrupted. Your brain experiences overactivity, affecting your motor control and causing shakiness.

What Do Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes Feel Like?

Alcohol withdrawal shakes are a common symptom for those with alcohol use disorder. It may feel like persistent jitters that you can’t control.

Your hands may tremble when you’re holding objects, and writing or buttoning your shirt can become challenging. You may also feel on edge and anxious.

In some cases, alcohol withdrawal shakes are accompanied by a faster heart rate and sweating, especially when you lack sleep.

While not usually life-threatening, alcohol shakes can be the first sign of more serious withdrawal symptoms to come.

Understanding Delirium Tremens

Delirium tremens (DTs) is a more serious form of alcohol withdrawal that can cause tremors. DTs happen when someone with long-term alcohol use disorder suddenly stops drinking.

During delirium tremens, you’ll experience an altered mental status, psychosis, and agitation. You may have severe shaking, and in rare cases, seizures.

Delirium tremens are dangerous and require immediate medical attention!

When Do Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes Start?

Tremors are often the first signs of withdrawal.

Alcohol withdrawal shakes typically begin after a few hours of alcohol consumption. It may start as milk trembling in the hands, and the symptoms intensify if you don’t consume alcohol again.

Alcohol withdrawal shaking’s peak intensity happens from 24 to 48 hours after your last drink. You’ll experience high blood pressure and uncontrollable tremors.

If you struggle with binge drinking, we recommend seeking professional help at the first sign of shaking.

How Long Do Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes Last?

Alcohol withdrawal shakes normally subside after five to seven days. However, some people may experience them weeks or months after drinking alcohol.

The timeline varies depending on your health and alcohol use.

Factors Affecting Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes Duration

Below are some factors that can affect how long alcohol withdrawal shakes last.

• Drinking History: The longer you’ve been drinking, the stronger the effects of alcohol withdrawal. Those with higher alcohol intake may experience more tremors.
• Age: Older adults with slower metabolisms may have a harder time recovering from withdrawal.
• Physical and Mental Health: Those with chronic conditions, like liver disease, can have worse symptoms. Additionally, people with mental health disorders may experience emotional distress and intensified tremors.
• Medical Attention: Having medical supervision can affect the duration of alcohol withdrawal. You can recover faster with the help of healthcare specialists.

What Do Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes Treatments Look Like?

Treating alcohol withdrawal shakes focuses mainly on managing the symptoms of substance use. Here’s what treatment programs may look like.

1. Assessment

The first step of alcohol addiction treatment is always assessment. A trained professional will interview you and ask about your medical history.

Your treatment will vary depending on the substance use disorders and the amount of alcohol you regularly consume. Afterward, you will be presented with the best treatment options for your circumstances.

2. Medical Detoxification

Next, you’ll undergo medical detox.

In most cases, medication is necessary during alcohol detox. They play a role in managing dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Because your body has become dependent on alcohol, removing it may cause shaking and seizures.

Doctors typically prescribe benzodiazepines, which help calm the nervous system. Beta-blockers can reduce tremors, and naltrexone may minimize cravings.

3. Hydration and Nutrition

Hydration and nutrition are key to a speedy recovery from alcohol dependence.

If you’re undergoing inpatient treatment, the facility will provide you with plenty of healthy food and supplements. Meanwhile, those undergoing outpatient care may come to the treatment center for IV fluids.

IV drips containing thiamine can prevent neurological conditions related to alcohol use. In addition, some IV drips help maintain blood pressure, reduce shaking, and restore hydration.

IV detoxification can take up to several hours per day, but you can relax, eat, sleep, or watch your favorite show throughout the whole process.

4. Professional Supervision

Alcohol withdrawal can be unpredictable and dangerous. Symptoms can escalate quickly, which is why medical supervision is important.

At recovery facilities, you’ll undergo 24/7 monitoring of your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. You also get access to professional help for managing cravings, anxiety, and emotional distress.

Professional supervision is vital, especially since a medical emergency can happen at any time.

5. Therapies

After clearing the alcohol from your system, you’ll undergo therapy to prevent a relapse. Therapy can address the root cause of alcoholism and change the way you think.

Below are just some therapies you may attend to overcome chronic alcohol use.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT identifies the cues that contribute to drinking. It changes the thought process leading to alcohol use.
• Motivational Enhancement: This therapy aims to strengthen your motivation for ending the addiction.
• Support Groups: Support groups connect you with other people in the same situation. Its goal is to provide you with a safe and welcoming support system.

Tips for Managing Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes

Going to a healthcare professional is always recommended for managing alcohol withdrawal shakes. That said, you can also follow a few supportive strategies to minimize the alcohol withdrawal shakes.

• Stay Hydrated: Alcohol dehydrates the body, which causes worse tremors. To combat this, you should drink plenty of electrolyte water to replenish the lost nutrients.
• Eat Healthy Food: Food rich in vitamin B, magnesium, and potassium can have a positive impact on your nervous system. Be sure to incorporate lean proteins, leafy greens, and complex carbohydrates into your diet.
• Get Some Rest: Stress and lack of sleep can worsen alcohol withdrawal shaking. Deep breathing and meditation may help you relax and calm your body.
• Avoid Caffeine: Caffeine from tea, coffee, and energy drinks may further aggravate tremors. You should avoid them as you recover from alcohol withdrawal.
• Find Support: Sometimes knowing you have a loved one close by can have calming effects. Reach out to someone you trust or seek help from a healthcare professional.

Alcohol Withdrawal Shakes: When Should You Seek Help?

If you’re experiencing withdrawal shakes, it may be the first sign of worse symptoms to come. Because of this, we highly recommend seeking help from a healthcare provider immediately.

Be sure to go to a recovery facility if:

• You feel lightheaded, nauseated, and restless.
• You have a fever and are unable to eat or drink.
• You’re experiencing intense sweats, increased blood pressure, anxiety, and shaking.
• You feel disoriented, confused, and irritable.

Even if the symptoms seem mild at first, it’s safer to go to medical professionals.

A recovery center like Long Island Interventions uses evidence-based techniques to support your overall health. We can help make your recovery journey comfortable and safe!

FAQs

Conclusion

So, how long do alcohol withdrawal shakes last? The quick answer is that they can last up to seven days for mild cases. For severe alcohol abuse, withdrawal shakes and other symptoms can linger for months.

Regardless of severity, alcohol withdrawal isn’t something you have to face alone. Seeking medical help ensures a safe detoxification and comfortable recovery.

In addition, don’t forget to ease withdrawal symptoms with a few lifestyle changes. Be sure to stay hydrated, eat healthy food, and get plenty of rest.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to reach out to a recovery center. Healing from alcohol abuse is possible, and it starts with asking for help!

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Published on: 2025-06-30
Updated on: 2025-06-30