Delirium Tremens: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms represent a serious cause of shaking after drinking, occurring when the body has become physically dependent on alcohol. Waking up with trembling hands or experiencing shaking after drinking can be alarming. These symptoms affect many individuals who consume alcohol, ranging from mild tremors to severe shaking that interferes with daily activities. Understanding why tremors after alcohol occur helps individuals recognize when symptoms indicate a serious concern.

Risks / Benefits

Before diving into the specific stages of alcohol recovery, I want to first explain what alcohol recovery actually is, how it works, and why it looks so different for everyone. This post is meant to be educational, honest, and realistic—whether you’re newly sober, thinking about quitting alcohol, or supporting someone you love who’s in recovery. Recovering from alcoholism can be long and challenging (but extremely rewarding). Learning about the alcohol recovery timeline can help set your expectations and understand the challenges you are going through.

What the start‑to‑finish detox process looks like

Less than 5% of the general population experiences withdrawal symptoms. Since alcohol has a depressive effect on brain function, stopping it suddenly can lead to an overactive nervous system. These symptoms may continue for several weeks after quitting alcohol, with the most intense period occurring in the first few days.

Who Needs Alcohol Detox?

Your stomach might turn, your hands might tremble, and your head might pound. For example, if you overdose on opioids, it targets the part of your brain that regulates your breathing. If not treated quickly, your breathing slows or stops completely, leading to death.

You will find that the body’s adjustment to being alcohol-free improves the length and quality of your sleep. The earliest stage of quitting alcohol is often the most demanding. When alcohol has played a central role in daily life, the body and mind can react quickly once it’s removed. The first day can be fraught with challenges as alcohol exits the bloodstream. Supervised alcohol withdrawal is designed around safety, comfort, and dignity.

You may notice rapid shifts between emotional states within the first 48 hours, making emotional triggers particularly challenging to manage. To manage these symptoms, you’ll need to focus on sleep hygiene and relaxation techniques. If you have co-occurring depression or anxiety, treating these conditions becomes essential, as they can amplify sleep difficulties during withdrawal. Optimize your sleep hygiene by maintaining consistent bedtime routines and creating a dark, quiet environment.

For delirium tremens, treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) is often required. In an ICU, your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing can be monitored closely in case emergency life-support (such as artificial breathing by a machine) is needed. Alcohol withdrawal is easy to diagnose if you have typical symptoms that occur after you stop heavy, habitual drinking. If you have a past experience of withdrawal symptoms, you are likely to have them return if you start and stop heavy drinking again. There are no specific tests that can be used to diagnose alcohol withdrawal. While many individuals report symptoms for 4-6 months, some experience them for shorter or longer periods, including 6-24 months or more, depending on various factors.

• It is essential to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time, as proper treatment and support can help alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.
• Talk to a doctor about your personal history and what’s right for you.
• Because withdrawal can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, medical supervision is strongly recommended for anyone with a history of heavy drinking.
• Programs focus on informed participation, professional oversight, and clear transitions into continued recovery services.
• If you drink heavy amounts of alcohol for weeks, months, or years, you may have mental and physical symptoms when you stop or cut back.

But treatment varies based on the severity of alcohol withdrawal and the likelihood that it could progress to severe or complicated withdrawal. Thank you for reaching out and trusting JustAnswer, an independent professional services platform that connects users with verified professionals for expert guidance, advice, and solutions. I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way right now — alcohol withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and even frightening.

What to know if you’re a casual drinker

The process of such adjustment may lead to various physical and psychological conditions that may be of different intensity and duration. The knowledge of these symptoms helps people make wise choices regarding the need to acquire organized assistance through treatment for alcohol withdrawal. Taking action sooner rather than later can help prevent these long-term effects and reduce the risk of medical complications, emotional distress, or relapse cycles. Professional treatment provides structure, accountability, and evidence-based care that supports both physical stabilization and emotional healing. With the right guidance, individuals can learn healthier coping strategies, rebuild confidence, and regain control over their lives.

Better sleep

If you’re struggling with alcohol and are finding it hard to quit, you may want to think about getting support. We understand that embarking on recovery from alcohol addiction can be an emotionally difficult time, but we’re here to help. At Liberty House, we specialise in medical alcohol detox and structured alcohol rehab, Alcohol Withdrawal giving you the foundation for lasting and complete recovery. Our staff give you the level of care you need and aftercare systems are in place to keep you supported throughout. By reaching the checkpoint of a full month alcohol-free, you will likely feel drastic improvements to both your physical and mental health.