Shakes after drinking, or tremors, are a common, temporary physiological response as alcohol exits the system. This article explores why these shakes occur, focusing on the brain’s response and other physical factors.
Alcohol’s Impact on Your Brain
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, slowing brain activity. It enhances gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain’s “off switch,” which reduces nerve excitability. Simultaneously, it inhibits glutamate, the brain’s “on switch,” an excitatory neurotransmitter.
With regular or heavy alcohol consumption, the brain adapts to counteract its depressive effects. It reduces GABA receptor sensitivity and increases glutamate receptor activity to maintain balance. This neuroadaptation compensates for alcohol’s continuous presence.
When alcohol leaves the system, especially after heavy drinking, the brain remains in this over-excited state. The hypersensitive glutamate system and less effective GABA system create an imbalance. This overactivity in excitatory pathways causes tremors, anxiety, and other alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Other Physical Factors
Beyond neurological impact, other physical factors can contribute to post-drinking shakes. Alcohol’s diuretic effect increases urine production, leading to dehydration. Dehydration depletes essential electrolytes crucial for nerve and muscle function, potentially worsening tremors.
Alcohol can also affect blood sugar regulation, often causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The liver, which processes alcohol, also releases stored glucose. When metabolizing alcohol, the liver’s ability to maintain stable blood sugar is impaired, causing a glucose drop that results in shakiness, weakness, and dizziness. Chronic alcohol use can also lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially in B vitamins like thiamine. These impair nerve function and bodily regulation, increasing susceptibility to tremors and other physical symptoms.
Recognizing Serious Symptoms
While mild shakes are common, severe or escalating symptoms can indicate alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Profound shaking, beyond mild tremors, signals more significant withdrawal.
Other concerning signs include hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there) and seizures, which necessitate immediate medical intervention. Severe anxiety, agitation, rapid heart rate, or high fever also indicate a more severe withdrawal. Delirium tremens, the most severe form of AWS, involves severe confusion, hallucinations, and rapid heart rate, and is a medical emergency. Seek professional medical care immediately if any severe symptoms occur.
Managing and Preventing Shakes
For mild shakes, several approaches can help. Rehydrating with water or electrolyte-rich fluids counteracts alcohol’s diuretic effects. Resting and consuming easily digestible food can stabilize blood sugar and provide nutrients.
Preventing shakes involves responsible drinking. Moderation avoids overstimulating the brain and depleting resources. Alternating alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic beverages helps maintain hydration and slows absorption. Eating before and during drinking regulates absorption and blood sugar. Avoiding excessive consumption significantly reduces the risk of post-drinking shakes and other withdrawal symptoms.