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Are the Shakes a Sign of Alcoholism?

There are many signs that may be telling you that you are abusing alcohol. You may begin building a tolerance for drinking. You may start getting blackouts. Or you may notice that you are shaking when you don’t have alcohol in your system. 

If shaking begins to develop you may wonder, are the shakes a sign of alcoholism? This article will answer that question and tell you how to get help for your addiction. 

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is an addiction to alcohol. It begins when people drink heavily. After a while, they will notice that they need to drink more alcohol to get the same kind of high. 

They will also see withdrawal symptoms begin to form. They will feel sick when they don’t have alcohol in their system, and they will need to drink to ‘feel better’. Shaking is a common withdrawal symptom for alcoholics. 

Other symptoms of alcoholism include the following:

  • Blackouts
  • Dizziness 
  • Sweating 
  • Mood swings
  • Craving alcohol
  • Withdrawal from social situations
  • Delirium
  • Dangerous behavior
  • Legal issues
  • Financial problems
  • Troubled relationships
  • Slurred speech 
  • Poor coordination
  • Nausea and vomiting

Over time, health conditions may also begin to form including diabetes, heart problems, kidney disease, neurological issues, and more. 

Are the Shakes a Sign of Alcoholism?

Shakes are not necessarily a sign of alcoholism, but they may be telling you that you are using alcohol irresponsibly. 

Alcohol is a depressant. It contains mood-altering chemicals that slow down the brain. 

When alcohol leaves the body, the brain and nervous system react to the downtime by going into a state of hyperactivity. The hyperactivity is expressed in the form of shaking which can occur as soon as eight hours after your last drink. 

Shaking can occur in alcoholics who drink often and whose bodies become used to having alcohol in their system, but it can also happen after binge drinking. 

Binge drinking is defined as drinking large amounts of alcohol over a short period of time. People that binge drink will get their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to .08% or higher in two hours or less. Women will need to drink four drinks in two hours and men will need to drink five drinks in two hours to get their BAC to this level. 

While binge drinking is not necessarily a sign of addiction, it is still quite dangerous. It can lead to drunk driving, alcohol poisoning, and other life-threatening situations.  

How to Get Help with Alcohol Addiction

If you are beginning to experience shakes and other signs of alcohol addiction, it’s time to get help at an alcohol recovery center that’s right for you. 

Once you check into a rehab center, you will undergo detox. During this stage, you will experience withdrawal symptoms that may make you want to go back to using. Fortunately, medical staff will be on hand to keep you as comfortable as possible and ensure relapse doesn’t occur. 

Next, therapists will work out a treatment plan that is best suited to your needs. They will determine the underlying cause of addiction and come up with a therapy that aims to replace unhealthy reactions with healthy coping mechanisms. 

After you check out, they will follow up with aftercare to ensure you make a healthy adjustment to sober living. 

There are several rehab facilities that treat alcohol addiction, but Altitude Recovery takes an approach that sets us apart. 

We provide patients with a tight-knit community that provides them with the support they need to recover. We combine evidence-based therapies with holistic remedies to provide full-body healing. Our licensed and accredited staff has years of experience in the recovery field. 

Don’t let alcoholism rob you of the precious moments of your life. Reach out to Altitude Recovery today. We will help you lead the happy, healthy life you deserve.Â