Are you tired of waking up with uncontrollable shaking after a night of heavy drinking? The hangover shakes can be a frightening and debilitating symptom of alcohol abuse, signaling a deeper addiction that requires professional help. At Bold Steps Behavioral Health in Harrisburg, PA, we understand the challenges you face and offer comprehensive treatment options to break free from alcohol dependency. Our expert team provides a range of evidence-based programs, including therapy, counseling, 12-step programs, and various levels of care from detox to outpatient services. Don’t let alcohol control your life any longer – take the first step toward recovery and contact us at (717) 882-5989 today.
What are Hangover Shakes?
An Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom
Hangover shakes, also known as alcohol tremors or alcohol shakes, refer to involuntary trembling or shivering of the body after excessive alcohol consumption. These uncontrollable tremors most often occur in the hands and fingers but can also affect the arms, legs, torso, and even the vocal cords and head.They are essentially a symptom of alcohol withdrawal, caused by changes in the nervous system as the effects of alcohol – a depressant – wear off. This sudden drop leads to an overexcited nervous system, resulting in shakes.
Potential Causes
Beyond the neurological effects, low blood sugar can contribute to hangover shakes, as the liver pauses glucose production while metabolizing alcohol. Chronic heavy drinking may also damage the cerebellum, a brain region controlling motor function, causing cerebellar tremors.
Anxiety, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances brought on by alcohol’s diuretic properties are other potential culprits behind hangover shakes.
Duration and Severity
The duration of hangover shakes depends on how much alcohol was consumed. The body needs time to clear metabolites, rehydrate, and restore normal function. Tremors typically begin 5-10 hours after the last drink, peak 24-78 hours later, and can last several weeks for heavy drinkers. Severity also varies based on the person’s alcohol intake patterns, gender, age, weight, family history, and any co-occurring conditions.
Managing Hangover Shakes
Rehydrate and Replenish
Hangover shakes are often caused by dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Drinking plenty of water and consuming foods rich in electrolytes like bananas or sports drinks can help restore balance. If you or a loved one find yourself frequently experiencing hangover shakes, treatment options are available.
Supplement Smartly
Certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies caused by alcohol can exacerbate hangover symptoms. Some specialists recommend taking supplements containing B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc to support the body’s recovery process.
Managing and Preventing Shakes
Strategies to ease hangover shakes include resting, staying hydrated, consuming carbs and nutritious foods, taking supplements like magnesium and thiamine, and potentially medication in severe cases. The liver metabolizes alcohol at a rate of approximately one drink per hour, and any remaining alcohol continues to circulate in the bloodstream. There is no way to speed up metabolism or shorten hangover recovery time.
However, the best way to prevent shakes is avoiding alcohol altogether. 12-step facilitation programs can help those maintain sobriety. For those struggling with alcohol use, it’s crucial to be aware of increasingly severe withdrawal risks like delirium tremens, which require medical detox and treatment.
If experiencing regular, intense, or uncontrollable shakes that impair functioning, it may signify an alcohol addiction issue.
Seek Professional Help
If hangover shakes persist or worsen, it may signal a more severe alcohol withdrawal issue. Other warning signs may include neglecting hobbies, engaging in risky behaviors, developing mental health disorders, needing to drink more to experience the same effects, exhibiting different behaviors while drinking, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and changes in social circle.
Treatment Programs at Bold Steps
Outpatient Treatment Programs
One common approach is outpatient treatment, where individuals attend sessions at a facility while continuing to live at home. This includes standard outpatient care with regular appointments, as well as intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) with more frequent group and individual counseling.
Partial Hospitalization programs (PHP)
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers a comprehensive, full-day treatment experience without the need for overnight stays. With this program, participants receive intensive therapy, counseling, and educational sessions, while still having the flexibility to return home after treatment.
Residential or Inpatient Care
For those requiring a higher level of support, residential or inpatient treatment provides 24-hour care at a hospital, treatment center, or sober living home. These programs last from a few weeks to over a year, allowing clients to focus solely on their recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Hangover Shakes?
Hangover shakes, or tremors, are a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal. They occur due to an imbalance in brain chemicals like GABA and glutamate when someone who is physically dependent on alcohol suddenly stops drinking. This imbalance can lead to overexcitation of the nervous system, resulting in tremors, anxiety, insomnia, and other withdrawal effects.
How Serious are Hangover Shakes?
While shakes may seem like just an unpleasant hangover symptom, they can actually indicate a serious condition. Persistent or severe tremors could signal delirium tremens (DTs), a potentially life-threatening form of alcohol withdrawal involving hallucinations, delirium, and loss of bodily function control.
When Should I Seek Treatment?
If you experience shakes or trembling upon waking up hungover, or after going several hours without a drink, it’s advisable to seek professional help. These could be warning signs of an alcohol use disorder requiring medical treatment like detox and rehab.
Conclusion
As you face the challenges of alcohol addiction and its physical symptoms like hangover shakes, remember that effective treatment options are available. At Bold Steps Behavioral Health in Harrisburg, PA, you have access to a comprehensive range of programs tailored to your needs. From detox and inpatient care to outpatient services and sober living support, our experienced team is committed to guiding you through every step of your recovery journey. By addressing both addiction and any co-occurring mental health issues, we provide a holistic approach to healing. Don’t let hangover shakes control your life any longer. Take the first bold step towards lasting sobriety and improved well-being by reaching out to us today at (717) 882-5989.
