If your hands start doing the cha-cha every time you stop drinking, that’s not just “nerves” those are alcohol shakes, a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal. They can feel scary, embarrassing, and downright exhausting. The good news: with the right medical support and some smart natural strategies, those tremors don’t have to run the show forever.
Before we dive in: alcohol shakes can be a sign of a serious medical condition called alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). In some people, withdrawal can escalate to seizures or delirium tremens (DTs), which can be life-threatening. So think of this article as a friendly, science-backed guide not a substitute for your doctor or an addiction specialist.
What Exactly Are Alcohol Shakes?
Alcohol shakes, or alcohol tremors, are involuntary rhythmic movements usually in the hands, but sometimes in the arms, head, or whole body that show up when someone who has been drinking heavily cuts down or stops. They’re one of the hallmark signs of alcohol withdrawal.
For many people with heavy or long-term alcohol use, withdrawal symptoms can start as early as 6–12 hours after the last drink. Mild symptoms may include anxiety, sweating, nausea, trouble sleeping, and, yes, shakiness. Symptoms can peak around 24–72 hours, and in some cases progress to seizures or delirium tremens if left untreated.
Why Does the Body Shake When You Stop Drinking?
Your brain loves balance. Alcohol pushes that balance toward “relaxed and sedated” by amplifying the effects of GABA (a calming neurotransmitter) and dampening glutamate (a stimulating one). Over time, the brain adjusts: it dials down GABA receptors and revs up excitatory systems to compensate.
When you suddenly pull alcohol away, your brain is like, “Wait, where did my ‘off switch’ go?” You’re left with a nervous system that’s overexcited and under-braked. The result: tremors, racing heart, sweating, anxiety, and other withdrawal symptoms.
When Alcohol Shakes Are an Emergency
Sometimes alcohol shakes are “just” uncomfortable. Other times, they’re a big flashing warning sign. You should seek urgent or emergency medical care (call your local emergency number or go to the ER) if you notice any of the following while withdrawing:
- Confusion, disorientation, or not knowing where you are
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
- Seizure or loss of consciousness
- Very fast heart rate, chest pain, or trouble breathing
- High fever, heavy sweating, or severe agitation
- Uncontrollable vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- You’re pregnant, have serious heart, liver, or lung disease, or have had severe withdrawal before
These can be signs of severe alcohol withdrawal or delirium tremens, which require immediate medical treatment and monitoring. Detoxing alone at home in these situations is dangerous.
Step One: Talk to a Professional Before You Quit
It’s tempting to say, “I’ll just stop tonight and power through.” For mild drinkers, that might be reasonably safe; for others, it’s risky. Healthcare professionals use tools like the CIWA-Ar scale to assess withdrawal severity and decide whether you should detox at home, in a clinic, or in a hospital.
A doctor, addiction specialist, or detox facility can:
- Review your drinking history and medical conditions
- Estimate your risk of severe withdrawal or seizures
- Prescribe medications that calm shakes and prevent complications
- Coordinate inpatient or outpatient detox depending on your symptoms and support system
If you’ve ever had alcohol withdrawal seizures or delirium tremens, or if you drink heavily every day, medical supervision isn’t optional it’s essential.
Medications That Help Stop Alcohol Shakes
Let’s talk about what the medical world actually uses to quiet those tremors. Spoiler: it’s not “just willpower.”
Benzodiazepines: First-Line Medication for Alcohol Shakes
Benzodiazepines (“benzos”) are the gold standard for treating moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal including significant shakes. Common options include:
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
These medications act on the same calming GABA system that alcohol does, helping to:
- Reduce tremors and anxiety
- Lower the risk of seizures
- Prevent progression to severe withdrawal or delirium tremens
Benzos are usually given as a short-term taper over several days, either on a fixed schedule or based on your symptoms. Because they can cause sedation, breathing problems, and dependence if misused, they must be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional never taken casually or mixed with alcohol.
Other Prescription Medications Used in Withdrawal
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your clinician might add or consider other medications alongside benzodiazepines:
- Antiseizure medications (such as carbamazepine, valproate, or gabapentin) may help with mild to moderate withdrawal, especially in outpatient settings, and can support seizure prevention in selected cases.
- Blood pressure and heart rate medications like beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) or alpha-2 agonists (e.g., clonidine) can help control racing heart, high blood pressure, and severe anxiety. They do not treat the underlying withdrawal but may be used as add-ons.
These medications are chosen based on your overall health, liver function, and the setting (home, clinic, or hospital). Self-experimenting with prescription drugs is absolutely not safe dosing and combinations matter.
Vitamins and Nutritional Support
Long-term alcohol use often causes deficiencies in key nutrients, especially thiamine (vitamin B1), folate, and other B vitamins. Low thiamine can lead to serious brain disorders such as Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome.
That’s why detox protocols commonly include:
- Thiamine (often given before glucose to reduce brain injury risk)
- Multivitamins with B-complex
- Magnesium and other electrolytes if lab tests show low levels
These don’t magically “erase” shakes, but they support your nervous system, reduce complications, and help your body recover from years of nutritional stress.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Options: What They Can and Cannot Do
You’ll see plenty of “detox kits” and OTC remedies promising to fix withdrawal at home. Reality check: no over-the-counter product can replace medical care for moderate or severe alcohol withdrawal.
That said, under a clinician’s guidance, some OTC options may provide supportive relief:
- Oral rehydration solutions (or electrolyte drinks) to combat dehydration and help with weakness
- Mild pain relievers (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) for headaches or body aches with caution in people with liver or kidney issues
- Antacids or anti-nausea products for stomach discomfort, used carefully and as directed
What OTC meds should not be used for is masking serious symptoms so you avoid getting real help. And mixing sedating OTC drugs (like some sleep aids or antihistamines) with alcohol, benzos, or opioids can be dangerous.
Natural Remedies to Ease Mild Alcohol Shakes (With Medical Oversight)
If your doctor has cleared you for outpatient or at-home detox, lifestyle and natural strategies can play a big supporting role. Think of them as the “comfort crew” alongside medical care not a replacement.
1. Hydration and Electrolytes
Alcohol is a dehydrating champ. Dehydration can make tremors, headaches, and fatigue worse. During withdrawal, aim for steady intake of:
- Water (small, frequent sips if you’re nauseated)
- Electrolyte drinks or oral rehydration solutions
- Broths or clear soups for both fluids and sodium
Staying hydrated won’t cure withdrawal, but it can reduce the intensity of shakes and help you feel less miserable while your body adjusts.
2. Balanced, Gentle Nutrition
You don’t need a complicated “detox diet.” What your body really wants is:
- Complex carbohydrates (oatmeal, whole-grain toast, brown rice) to stabilize blood sugar and energy
- Lean proteins (eggs, chicken, tofu, yogurt) to support muscle and brain function
- Fruits and vegetables for antioxidants and vitamins
Many people find small, frequent meals work better than large ones. If you have no appetite, start with bland foods like toast, bananas, or rice and build up slowly.
3. Rest and Sleep Hygiene
Withdrawal often wrecks sleep: you feel exhausted but wired, and the shakes don’t help. While you may not sleep perfectly, you can stack the deck in your favor:
- Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet
- Avoid screens for 30–60 minutes before bed
- Try a simple wind-down routine: warm shower, light stretching, soothing music
- Avoid caffeine and nicotine in the hours before bed
Your nervous system is recalibrating; rest is the gift that lets it do that job.
4. Gentle Movement and Breathing Exercises
If your doctor says it’s safe, gentle movement (like short walks around your home or very light stretching) can:
- Improve circulation and mood
- Lower anxiety a bit
- Distract you from focusing on the tremors
Add in simple breathing techniques, such as inhaling slowly through the nose for four counts, exhaling for six, repeated for a few minutes. This can dial down the “fight-or-flight” response that intensifies shakes. Mindfulness and meditation practices have also been shown to support people in recovery from alcohol use disorder.
5. Emotional Support: Don’t White-Knuckle It Alone
Withdrawal is hard on both the body and the mind. Having people in your corner can literally change outcomes. Consider:
- Trusted friends or family who can stay with you or check in frequently
- Support groups (in-person or online), such as SMART Recovery or 12-step programs
- Therapy or counseling to address underlying stress, trauma, or mental health concerns
Shakes are often a symptom of something larger long-term stress, coping patterns, or untreated anxiety or depression and these need attention too.
6. Supplements and Herbal Remedies (With Caution)
You’ll see herbal products marketed as “liver cleansers” or “natural detox.” Some, like milk thistle, have been studied for liver support, and others are being researched for cravings and mood. But:
- The evidence is mixed or limited for many of these remedies.
- Some can interact with prescription medications or medical conditions.
- They should never replace medically supervised withdrawal treatment.
Always run supplements by your healthcare provider before adding them to your plan.
Step-by-Step Game Plan for Handling Alcohol Shakes Safely
Here’s how a safer, more structured approach might look. (This is a general outline your doctor may recommend a different plan tailored to you.)
- Before you cut down: Talk to a healthcare professional and be honest about how much you drink, your medical history, and any previous withdrawals.
- Decide on the setting: Based on risk, your provider may recommend inpatient detox, a supervised outpatient program, or close at-home monitoring with daily check-ins.
- Use medication as prescribed: If you’re given benzodiazepines or other medications, take them exactly as directed. Don’t mix them with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives.
- Support your body: Hydrate, eat small regular meals, and rest. Use natural strategies to ease anxiety and help sleep.
- Watch for red flags: If shakes suddenly worsen, you become confused, hallucinate, or feel like you might pass out, seek emergency care.
- Plan for after detox: Withdrawal is step one. Long-term tools might include medications for alcohol use disorder (like naltrexone or acamprosate), counseling, and support groups to prevent relapse.
Preventing Alcohol Shakes From Coming Back
Once you’ve made it through withdrawal, the new goal becomes avoiding future episodes and that means building a life that doesn’t revolve around alcohol.
- Address triggers: Identify the people, places, times, and emotions that make you want to drink, and work with a therapist or support group on strategies to handle them.
- Consider long-term medications: Medications for alcohol use disorder can reduce cravings or make drinking less rewarding.
- Rebuild routines: Fill the time that used to belong to alcohol with hobbies, exercise, relationships, work, or volunteering.
- Care for mental health: Treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other conditions that may have been fueling your drinking.
The fewer relapses you have, the less often you’ll face the nerve-wracking return of alcohol shakes.
Real-Life Experiences: What Managing Alcohol Shakes Can Feel Like
Every person’s story with alcohol shakes is different, but certain themes come up again and again. The following are composite examples based on common experiences people report not real individuals, but realistic snapshots of what this process can look like.
“Alex”: The Weekend Drinker Who Didn’t See It Coming
Alex didn’t think of himself as “dependent.” He worked full-time, exercised sometimes, and mostly drank on weekends. But “weekend” slowly stretched into Thursday through Sunday, then “just one beer” on Monday and Tuesday. When he finally decided to take a month off from drinking, he woke up on day two with shaky hands, a pounding heart, and a sense that something was seriously wrong.
At first, he told himself it was low blood sugar or anxiety. But when he tried to hold his coffee mug and saw it rattling like a maraca, he called his doctor. The doctor quickly recognized that Alex was having mild alcohol withdrawal and scheduled a same-day visit. After a thorough assessment, they decided he could detox at home with a short course of medication, daily check-ins, and his brother staying over for a few nights.
The first 48 hours weren’t fun, but with medication, lots of water, simple meals, and Netflix as a distraction, the shakes gradually calmed down. What surprised Alex most wasn’t just how physical the symptoms were it was how much relief he felt finally admitting, “Okay, this is bigger than I thought, and I need help.” That honesty became the start of a new relationship with alcohol: one where he eventually chose long-term sobriety, not just “dry January.”
“Maria”: Using Natural Strategies Alongside Medical Care
Maria had tried to quit drinking several times on her own. Each time, the same thing happened: intense shakes, sweating, sleepless nights, and eventually the thought, “If I just drink one glass of wine, I’ll stop shaking.” So she’d drink to stop the symptoms, which pulled her straight back into the cycle.
This time, she did it differently. Her primary care provider referred her to an addiction specialist, who set her up with a supervised outpatient detox plan using medication. They also talked through natural strategies: hydration goals, meal plans with easy-to-digest foods, guided breathing exercises she could do when anxiety spiked, and specific friends she could text instead of pouring a drink.
Maria kept a small notebook where she wrote down everything she tried and how it made her feel: “Electrolyte drink helped a bit,” “Walking around the block distracted me from the trembling,” “Deep breathing actually lowered my heart rate.” The shakes didn’t vanish overnight, but within a few days, they had gone from “terrifying” to “annoying but manageable.” Combining medication with natural supports and social connection made the experience feel less like punishment and more like a process she was actively working through.
“James”: Learning That Detox Isn’t a One-Time Fix
James had already gone through detox twice. Both times, the hospital treated his severe shakes and hallucinations with benzodiazepines and IV fluids. Both times, he felt dramatically better by the end of the week and both times, he told himself he’d “just drink less” from now on.
When he landed in the ER a third time after a withdrawal seizure, a blunt but compassionate doctor laid it out: “We can keep treating the shakes, or we can help you stop having them at all.” James agreed to start medication for alcohol use disorder, enroll in an intensive outpatient program, and see a therapist who specialized in trauma.
This time, the focus wasn’t just on getting through the week of shakes; it was on rebuilding his whole life. Slowly, his relationship with alcohol shifted. Months later, when he saw someone in a movie downing shots and shaking the next morning, he felt a mix of recognition and gratitude: “That used to be me,” he thought, “but it doesn’t have to be anymore.”
Stories like these highlight a key truth: stopping alcohol shakes is about more than calming your hands. It’s about giving your brain, body, and life a chance to reset with real support, not just willpower and hope.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Shake This Off Alone
Alcohol shakes are your nervous system’s way of saying, “Something needs to change.” They’re uncomfortable, sometimes scary, and absolutely not a sign of weakness. With the right combination of medical treatment (especially medications like benzodiazepines, when appropriate), nutritional and vitamin support, and natural remedies like hydration, rest, movement, and emotional support, you can get through withdrawal much more safely and comfortably.
If you’re noticing alcohol shakes now or worried you might when you stop reach out to a healthcare professional or addiction specialist. Getting help isn’t overreacting; it’s smart harm reduction and a powerful first step toward a healthier, steadier life.
And if your hands are trembling while you read this, take a slow breath, sip some water, and pick up your phone to call for help. You don’t have to do the hard part alone.