Tremors are a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal. In most cases they occur in the hands, but can affect the whole body. They can make you uncomfortable and frightening, but luckily there are methods that allow you to manage them. Most often they go away on their own once you are fully detoxified, although the time needed can last anywhere from a couple of days to two months or more, depending on the damage to your liver and the level of your addiction. During this phase, your doctor can help you reduce withdrawal tremors with medications, although you should take them very carefully so you don't replace one addiction with another. Anxiety and stress can make tremors worse, so controlling those factors during withdrawal is just as important. In the future, prevent symptoms by stopping drinking or reducing alcohol consumption.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating Withdrawal Tremors with Drugs
Step 1. Talk to your doctor about the best way to manage your symptoms
If you suffer from withdrawal symptoms after you stop drinking alcohol, or if you are considering quitting and want to minimize withdrawal problems, it is important to discuss treatment and recovery options with your doctor. He can help you devise a plan to overcome withdrawal as safely and comfortably as possible. While this visit is a good place to start, remember that you will likely need to be hospitalized to fully recover. You may also need to attend Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings while continuing to get medical attention from your doctor, who will likely ask you about:
- Your normal alcohol consumption habits (i.e. how much you drink and how often).
- Any symptoms you suffer from, even if they are not directly related to alcohol.
- All medications, supplements and drugs you take.
- Other health problems you suffer from.
Step 2. Ask about using baclofen as a substitute for benzodiazepines
Baclofen (Lioresal) is a type of muscle relaxant that works by affecting the central nervous system. It can be effective in treating various symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, including tremors.
- Never stop taking baclofen overnight without consulting your doctor. Talk to him about the safest way to stop therapy.
- Talk to your doctor about other medications you are taking before starting baclofen therapy. This drug may amplify the effects of other central nervous system depressants, such as antihistamines, sedatives, or prescription pain relievers.
- Baclofen can cause mild side effects, such as sleepiness, dizziness, vision problems, or lack of coordination.
- Talk to your doctor if you experience any serious side effects, such as dark or bloody urine, hallucinations, mood swings, chest pains, fainting, tinnitus, or skin irritation. These problems are much less common, but need to be addressed if they arise.
Step 3. Ask about treating tremors with benzodiazepines
These drugs are used to treat many of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, including tremors. These are powerful drugs and usually your doctor will not prescribe them in the early stages or out of hospital. Talk to your doctor about this possible treatment to see if it is necessary for your situation.
- Benzodiazepines that are commonly used to treat alcohol withdrawal include diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), lorazepam (Dorom), and oxazepam (Serpax).
- If used incorrectly, benzodiazepines can be dangerous. Only take them under the careful supervision of your doctor.
- The most common side effects of these drugs include dizziness, sleepiness, shivering, coordination problems, confusion, depression, vision problems or headaches. Long-term use can be addictive.
- Benzodiazepines can interact dangerously with certain types of drugs and medications, such as opiates, barbiturates, alcohol, and tricyclic antidepressants. Talk to your doctor about all the substances you take.
Step 4. Be very careful when starting a new drug therapy
When an alcoholic stops drinking, he often transfers his addiction to another source. Often this source can be a doctor-prescribed drug to treat alcoholism and related symptoms, such as tremors. Discuss this possibility with your doctor and find prevention methods together.
Step 5. Recognize drug limitations
Medicines can help relieve the pain of withdrawal and its symptoms, such as tremors. However, it is not possible to completely remove all symptoms. You may always tremble slightly, but with the right treatments and care, you can make the problem more manageable.
Method 2 of 3: Managing Tremors Related to Anxiety and Stress
Step 1. Integrate medical treatments with stress management techniques
Stress and anxiety can make alcohol withdrawal tremors worse. While you should work with your doctor to devise a safe treatment plan for dealing with withdrawal, stress management techniques can help you further relieve tremors and other symptoms. Try some simple relaxing activities, such as:
- Light physical activity, such as walking or cycling.
- Dedicate yourself to art and DIY. If you are not particularly talented, you can also combat stress with simple activities, such as coloring.
- Write a diary.
- Pursue your favorite hobby or learn a new and fun one.
- Spend time with friends who support you.
- Read a book you love, watch funny movies or TV shows.
Step 2. Try yoga to be able to relax
Studies have shown that yoga can have many benefits for people facing withdrawal or recovering from alcohol addiction. In addition to having antidepressant qualities, yoga, if practiced regularly, helps to reduce the concentration of the stress hormone in the body, during and after detoxification. If you've never done yoga, you can sign up for a beginner class at a local gym.
Some substance abuse recovery specialists integrate yoga into their therapies. Ask your doctor to recommend a therapist who is also a certified yoga instructor
Step 3. Try mindful meditation to reduce stress and anxiety
Meditation can reduce stress and anxiety in patients recovering from alcohol addiction and can also have a positive effect in preventing cravings and relapses. Ask your doctor or therapist to integrate meditation into your treatment program.
You can also try meditation on your own by searching for guides and apps on the internet
Step 4. Try acupuncture to manage anxiety and depression
The effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing alcohol withdrawal symptoms is uncertain. However, it does help some people control anxiety, stress, and depression. Relieving these problems can indirectly reduce tremors and other symptoms that are made worse. Consider supplementing drug withdrawal treatments with acupuncture.
Method 3 of 3: Stop Drinking Safely
Step 1. Develop a plan with your doctor
If you have alcohol abuse problems and would like to quit, your doctor can help you find safe and effective ways to stop drinking. Make an appointment with him and discuss the best approach for you, based on your drinking habits and your general health. Ask your doctor questions such as the following:
- "Should I quit overnight or gradually?"
- "What are the main benefits of quitting drinking?"
- "What are the risks and benefits of the various treatment options?"
- "What impact do my drinking habits have on my health?"
- "What are the possible long-term effects if I don't stop drinking?"
Step 2. Ask about a recovery center if your addiction is severe
Alcohol detox with hospitalization takes place in a recovery center, where you will have doctors and staff ready to help you 24 hours a day. Detoxification can take 5 to 14 days and is most helpful for patients with alcoholism and very severe withdrawal symptoms, such as delirium tremens. You will be able to recover in a relaxing establishment, which allows you to escape from the pressures of everyday life.
- Some people manage to detox well in recovery centers, but have problems when they return home. Having the support of family and friends can make this transition easier.
- Inpatient detox can be very expensive. Find out if your insurance covers the costs or ask the center if it is possible to pay in installments.
- You must meet with a doctor before being admitted to a recovery center. He will be able to determine if this is the best option for your recovery.
Step 3. Ask your doctor about assisted detox without hospitalization if your addiction is moderate
This treatment involves spending a few hours in a detox clinic every day for a few days or up to two weeks. You will not have to sleep in the clinic, but drug therapies and your progress will be closely monitored by the professionals present. You will have the advantage of living at home and having more freedom, as well as having to pay less than for treatment with hospitalization.
- However, with this type of detox it is easier to relapse and start drinking again, especially if you have a difficult life at home or if your relative is an alcoholic.
- Non-hospitalization detox is only suitable for patients with mild to moderate alcohol symptoms, who have not drunk a lot or for a long time.
- You must consult a doctor before going to a detox center. He will be able to tell you if this treatment is the best choice for your recovery.
Step 4. Ask your doctor about the use of medications that can help you quit
If you have a chemical addiction to alcohol, quitting or limiting your drinking can be very difficult. Fortunately, there are substances available that make this process easier. Ask your doctor if any of the following is worth trying:
- Disulfiram (Etitoltox) discourages alcohol consumption by producing unpleasant physical reactions, such as nausea and headache. However, this drug can be addictive and should only be taken under careful medical supervision.
- Naltrexone (Antaxone) prevents you from experiencing that pleasant "high" sensation normally produced by alcohol. This drug is also available in an intravenous version.
- Acamprosate (Campral) reduces the craving for alcohol.
Step 5. Recognize the symptoms of delirium tremens
This condition is similar to withdrawal tremors, but affects the whole body and is much more severe. If you notice tremors throughout your body when you stop drinking, along with other symptoms such as hallucinations, confusion, disorientation, and seizures, seek medical attention right away. You need to have a blood test to rule out liver damage.
If you find yourself in the situation of having to take care of a person suffering from delirium tremens, it is difficult to understand what you need to do. Find more information on the internet about emergency care for this type of symptom
Step 6. Look out for symptoms of liver cirrhosis
Cirrhosis occurs when scar tissues build up in the liver and limit its functions. Severe cases of cirrhosis can be fatal, but if this condition is discovered in its early stages, liver damage can be treated and limited (even if not cured). If you notice any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right away:
- Fatigue
- Frequent bleeding and bruising
- Yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes
- Stellar angioma
- Swelling in the legs
- Redness of the palms
Step 7. Undergo behavioral therapy
This type of treatment can help you develop healthy management strategies and set achievable goals when trying to quit drinking or reduce alcohol consumption. It can also help you uncover and fix the underlying problems. Ask your doctor for a referral to a psychologist who specializes in recovery from addiction and substance abuse.
Step 8. Join a support group
Getting support from people who know what you are going through is an important help in coping with alcohol addiction. Your groupmates will give you empathy and friendship, as well as make you feel more responsible and offer support if you feel in crisis or have problems relapsing. Ask your doctor to recommend a group therapy or support group in your area.
Research available groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous
Step 9. Seek support from friends and family
People close to you can play a critical role in the success of your recovery from alcohol abuse. Let the people closest to you know that you are trying to quit drinking or reduce your alcohol consumption. Ask that they respect your decision and help you by not drinking when you are present and by not pressuring you to drink at social events. Identify some close friends and family that you can call in case of need or if the temptation to resume drinking is very strong.
