Alcohol Shakes 

Alcohol shakes, what doctors call “tremors,” can feel scary, especially if you don’t know why they’re happening. Shakes during alcohol withdrawal happen because the brain and nervous system are adjusting to the sudden absence of alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down brain activity. Over time, the brain compensates by becoming more excitable to maintain balance. When drinking suddenly stops, that excitability goes unchecked, leading to overactive nerves, anxiety, and tremors.  

If you or someone you care about is experiencing this, it’s important to know it’s not your fault and that Q Space Detox is here to help.

What Are Alcohol Shakes?

If you’ve ever noticed your hands—or maybe even your arms or legs—shaking after you stop drinking, you’re not alone. These shakes, also known as tremors or jitters, are one of the more common signs of alcohol withdrawal. By the way, alcohol affects different organs in the body. They typically show up within 6 to 8 hours after your last drink and tend to peak somewhere between 10 and 30 hours.

While they might seem like a minor nuisance at first, tremors can sometimes be a sign of something more serious. For example, there can be an early warning of a severe withdrawal complication called delirium tremens (or DTs). DTs usually appear two to three days after someone who’s been drinking heavily for a long time suddenly stops. It’s a medical emergency that can include confusion, vivid hallucinations, changes in heart rate or blood pressure, and trouble regulating body temperature.

There’s also a more serious condition to be aware of: Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS). It’s caused by a lack of thiamine, a vitamin that chronic alcohol use can deplete. Tremors are one possible symptom of this deficiency, along with trouble walking, confusion, memory loss, and vision problems. WKS can sometimes be reversed if caught early, but if left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage or even death.

 

Detox and Rehab: Getting Support for Alcohol Shakes

Even if you don’t experience symptoms as intense as those of delirium tremens, alcohol withdrawal can still be almost impossible to go through alone. A medically supervised detox gives you the safety and support of trained professionals who know exactly how to manage the symptoms and keep you as comfortable as possible. Depending on your situation, you might also be prescribed medication to ease the process and help your body adjust.

At Q Space Detox, you'll stay at our facility during detox, which usually lasts about 5 to 10 days. But recovery is not just about getting alcohol out of your system, it’s also about deeper healing work. That’s why we offer a residential rehabilitation program alongside detox. When you participate in it, you get to have one-on-one and group therapy sessions among other comprehensive treatment approaches. These will help you explore what’s behind your drinking and give you practical tools to move forward with confidence.

Coping with Residual Shakes After Rehab

For some people, even after the toughest part of alcohol withdrawal is over, the shakes don’t completely go away. It can be frustrating, and even a little scary to feel those lingering shakes, especially when you're already doing the hard work of staying sober. But the good news is, you’re not powerless. There are ways to manage those residual shakes and support your body and mind as you heal.

One helpful step is getting into a gentle, consistent movement routine. Activities like yoga, tai chi, or even basic stretching and coordination exercises can make a real difference. They help with motor control, calm your nervous system, and remind you that you’re rebuilding. Even simple deep breathing, mindfulness, or short daily meditations can go a long way. These coping mechanisms train your brain to stay steady, even when life isn’t.

Don’t forget nutrition, either. During heavy drinking, the body often loses key nutrients which play a role in nerve and muscle function. Eating balanced meals and possibly adding supplements can help restore what’s been lost.And maybe most importantly: stay connected. 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, support groups, therapy, or just having someone to talk to who gets it can be incredibly grounding. 

Residual shakes don’t define your recovery, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone. You're already doing something brave by showing up for yourself and that matters.

You Can Have a Sober Future Starting Now

If you or a loved one is LGBTQ+ and experiencing alcohol shakes or struggling with alcohol dependence symptoms, Q Space Detox is here to support you. Our caring and experienced team offers personalized care designed to guide you through every step of your recovery.

Reach out to us 305-745-7768 today to learn more about our tailored treatment options. Take the first step towards a better, alcohol-free life with Q Space Detox. Your recovery journey begins here.