Why do your hands shake after drinking and how to get rid of the unpleasant feeling

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Why are your hands shaking?
Symptoms of the condition
Diagnostic methods
Features of treatment
First aid at home

Every alcoholic experiences such a symptom as trembling hands. The symptom appears either after prolonged consumption of alcoholic beverages, or immediately after quitting alcohol. The symptom causes a lot of trouble, disrupts human activity and is annoying. To select methods for eliminating deviations, it is important to understand the reasons for its development.

Causes of trembling limbs

Long-term use of alcoholic beverages leads to depression of the central nervous system, causing adaptive changes in several neurotransmitter systems. The adaptive response causes the central nervous system to become tolerant of alcohol. A sharp withdrawal from alcohol dependence leads to the fact that the balance of the built neurotransmitters is disturbed. After just a few hours of sobriety, a person experiences psychomotor agitation and other symptoms indicating that his nervous system is overloaded. Increased nervous excitability leads to trembling of the limbs. Tremor also occurs in simply emotional people. It is difficult for them to restrain impulses of joy or anger and the outburst of emotions occurs due to tremors.

Also, trembling of the limbs can occur for hundreds of other reasons, including pathologies of the kidneys, liver, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and simple heredity. Other problems that lead to limb tremors include stress, depression, and nervous tension. Trembling also occurs after heat stroke , intoxication, or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Literature:

A manual on narcology for doctors and paramedics of primary medical care / A. A. Churkin, T. V. Klimenko. / Moscow ; Khanty-Mansiysk / Health and Society, 2006 (Cheboksary: IPK Chuvashia). — 173 p.
Tremor: pathogenesis, features of the clinical picture, treatment. Ivanova E.O. / Neurological journal. 2013
Tremor: classification, clinical characteristics. Govorova T.G. / Magazine Consilium Medicum 2021

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Types of tremors of the limbs that occur due to alcohol consumption

Alcohol has an extremely destructive effect on the human body. Thus, it disrupts the flow of impulses through the spinal cord to the brain, which is why neurons cannot adequately interact with each other. Trembling in an alcoholic can be observed not only in the limbs: such a person may have trembling eyeballs, legs, stomach and even vocal cords. If he does not stop drinking alcohol, then coordination of movements is disrupted in principle: the patient begins to sway from side to side. Depending on the stage of neglect of the case, we can talk about the following types of violations:

Major trembling throughout the body. It can occur if a person has exceeded his usual alcohol limit. Thus, the body exhibits poisoning, i.e. intoxication. The trembling will go away as soon as all the toxic substances are removed from the body.
Trembling of limbs in the morning. It occurs against the backdrop of periodically exceeding the dose of alcohol. As a rule, this syndrome is relieved by taking another small dose of alcohol. Unfortunately, this technique only aggravates a person’s situation, forming a literally vicious alcoholic circle.
Trembling of the limbs, head, eyelids, voice. This reaction already applies to experienced alcoholics. If a person exceeds his normal dose of alcohol for many years, then his cerebellum and/or frontal lobes of the brain are affected, which leads to tremors in different parts of the body.
Cramps. Such a tremor indicates the manifestation of withdrawal syndrome, which poses a danger to human life. If you see that an alcoholic is having convulsions, then immediately call an ambulance.

Of course, each body reacts to alcohol differently; the types of tremors described above and their causes are approximate. Sometimes a person can drink alcohol all his life and remain full of health and energy, and sometimes after several successful parties a person already suffers from alcohol addiction and slight tremors of the limbs.

Treatment options

When the problem becomes serious (for example, due to tremors, a person cannot properly eat or dress), the question arises of what to do if hands shake after drinking alcohol. Naturally, the first thing that comes to mind is to stop drinking. But, unfortunately, this is no longer enough; without treatment, the disease cannot be overcome.

You can cure hand tremors:

medicinal method (using drugs of various effects);
physical therapy (a variety of exercises aimed at strengthening muscles and restoring coordination and fine motor skills);
using traditional medicine recipes (herbal infusions, decoctions).

Complete abstinence from alcohol

If the tremor is caused by prolonged drinking, then it is advisable to treat it in a hospital setting. The main condition for successful therapy is complete abstinence from alcohol. Next, complex treatment is carried out, including the following stages:

cleanse the body of remnants of toxic substances using sorbents and diuretics;
support the exhausted body by administering glucose and vitamins through an IV;
to normalize the psycho-emotional state, use sedatives and antidepressants;
stabilize blood pressure using antihypertensive drugs;
Enzyme medications help restore normal functioning of the digestive system;
Beta blockers help relieve tremors.

In rare cases, surgery is performed to get rid of the disease.

How to eliminate trembling limbs?

People mistakenly think that “shaking” after drinking alcoholic beverages is not dangerous. It seems that it brings nothing other than a feeling of discomfort, however, this is far from the case. Involuntary muscle contractions lead to damage to the nervous system, hallucinations, and malfunctions of many organs, such as the liver. Tremors can be overcome both in hospital and at home. Of course, the former are preferable. However, you can send a person to a clinic for treatment only with his consent, and if you are unable to persuade the patient to undergo treatment in a hospital, then at least try to help him at home:

Calm your nervous system. To do this, the patient must follow a special diet rich in aminoacetic acid - glycine. There is a high glycine content in beef jelly and rich khash. In addition, chocolate, bananas and citrus fruits help restore balance in the nervous system.
Relieve vasospasm. If the patient “shakes”, he definitely has it. To relieve vascular spasm you need to take antispasmodics.
Let the patient sleep. Sleep is the best healer. Rest will quickly restore the imbalance of the nervous system. This is the simplest, but also the most effective method of combating limb tremors. If a person cannot sleep, you can give him a small dose of a sleeping pill or sedative.
Give the person medication to prevent a hangover.

Of course, these methods only work with simple cases of limb tremors. If a person’s hands are already shaking, this is a signal that it’s time to see a doctor . The sooner you turn to specialists and begin treatment for alcohol addiction, the higher the chance that you will be able to completely restore a person’s health, as well as his status in society.

Sometimes a person experiences chills rather than tremors. If the patient is shivering, this means that proteins have appeared in his blood that coagulate at normal body temperature. In this situation, urgent detoxification of the body is needed, so urgently call an ambulance or a narcologist to your home, who can immediately administer an IV. You need to act in the same way if the patient begins to have convulsions. The person is also prescribed plenty of fluids, vitamin C and diet therapy, which accelerates the removal of breakdown products of ethyl alcohol.

If a person has a major tremor, this means that the level of dopamine in his body, which controls the conduction of impulses between neurons, has dropped. To make up for its deficiency, you can play sports or at least take a walk, and also eat chocolate, banana or seafood.

Popping tremor is a rare and very dangerous phenomenon. It indicates that the person has serious liver damage and needs immediate medical attention. Call an ambulance or a narcologist to your home, otherwise you risk the person’s health and even life.

Drug therapy

Therapy for alcoholic tremor is prescribed by specialists after examination. The following medications are often prescribed:

Proponolol for worsening hand tremors.
Pripidone, which strengthens the general condition and restores the functioning of the nervous system.
Beta blockers, which relieve tremors and the effects of worsening blood pressure.

The exact dosage and timing of use are indicated by a specialist; self-medication in such a situation can cause negative consequences. To relieve symptoms and stabilize the condition, you can use medications like Zorex, glycine, aspirin, etc. on your own. These are medications for one-time use that help cope with headaches, tremors, and chills after drinking too much. If the condition does not stabilize for several days, it is better to go to the doctor for examination and determination of a therapeutic technique.

What should you not do if you have tremors in your limbs?

First of all, remember once and for all: you cannot get hungover, that is, take another dose of alcohol. Such tactics only aggravate the situation, as a result of which toxins and other poisonous substances enter the body again, which forms an additional addiction to alcohol. Secondly, you cannot self-treat if the tremor is pronounced or, even worse, the patient has chills or convulsions. In order not to risk a person’s life and health, convince him to see a doctor.

Also, if possible, the patient should avoid the following situations if he has pronounced trembling of the limbs or other parts of the body as a result of drinking alcohol:

Drinking coffee and other “invigorating” drinks. Yes, it may seem that it makes you feel better, however, coffee retains fluid in the body, which slows down the removal of toxins and other breakdown products of ethyl alcohol. The tremor may only get worse.
Drinking weak alcohol. You shouldn't even drink a can of beer. In practice, this will not work, although there is an opinion among alcoholics that a hangover can be relieved in this way. A new portion of alcohol means a new portion of tremors and nothing more.
Taking medications while still intoxicated. First you need to make sure that the patient is completely sober and only then start treating him with pills and other medications.
Taking a bath. Intoxication can only intensify. If the patient really wants to freshen up, then let him take a contrast shower for a couple of minutes.
Provocation of vomiting. If the patient tries to artificially induce stomach cramps, he may shake even more. It is better to go to a medical facility for detoxification.

If you are in doubt whether you should see a doctor or not, then think about how much time you can lose and what percentage of the possibility of restoring your health and patient status will remain for you if you hesitate. to remove it immediately , and for this, inpatient treatment is best suited.

Clinical features

Typical symptoms of the disease include:

alcoholic hand tremor, which in the relatively early stages of binge drinking appears when trying to keep the hands in an outstretched, tense state; subsequently, trembling can occur at rest;
unsteady, uncertain gait, dizziness, disorientation (especially in the dark);
alcoholic head tremor, with the shaking usually affecting the lower jaw, eyelids, and tip of the tongue;
severe chills and sweating.

As the disease progresses, the patient experiences difficulty even performing basic daily duties. It becomes difficult for him to get dressed or bring a filled cup or spoon to his mouth. Naturally, he is physically unable to engage in any professional activity.

Types of alcoholic tremors

By localization:

focal, affecting one strictly defined anatomical area (for example, hand, jaw, tongue, etc.);
segmental, when two or more adjacent parts of the body are involved in the pathological process;
hemitremor, which is unilateral;
generalized, spreading to the whole body.

According to the clinical picture:

postural, which appears when trying to maintain a certain position (and when changing body position, the trembling may disappear);
kinetic, which occurs during movement and intensifies when approaching the target;
kinesiospecific, developing only during certain actions (for example, writing, typing on a computer, etc.);
isometric, observed when trying to clench the hand into a fist or hold an object;
resting tremor, when the trembling persists even when the muscles relax.

When is medical help needed urgently?

Sometimes only a doctor can help get rid of limb tremors. Also, tremors may not always be caused by drinking alcohol. Therefore, if you are in doubt, simply seek advice from a specialist. In the following cases, an alcoholic needs urgent medical attention:

For pathologies of the thyroid gland;
If you take medications incorrectly;
With pronounced drug addiction;
For Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases;
With damage to the cerebellum;
In case of poisoning with toxic substances.

The specialist will conduct an examination and prescribe the treatment that suits the patient best. Also, only a doctor can help eliminate trembling of the limbs. A neurologist will explain how to get rid of tremors that are not caused by alcohol intoxication. However, if you are absolutely sure that trembling occurred as a result of drinking alcohol, then of course contact a narcologist. The doctor will conduct testing and diagnostics, examine the patient for other diseases and, based on the results of the analysis, will be able to select the most effective treatment.

myelopathy , i.e., damage to the spinal cord, can be observed In this case, longer and more complex treatment is required, which will be carried out under the supervision of several specialists. However, do not get upset ahead of time: modern medicine works wonders, the main thing is to seek help in time.

Why do my hands shake with a hangover and after drinking alcohol?

Drinking alcohol can aggravate involuntary tremors caused by other causes and may be the underlying cause of tremors.

Why do my hands shake when I have a hangover? Tremor can be a symptom of a single acute alcohol poisoning , that is, when a person has drunk too much - this condition is characterized by a larger and more generalized tremor (that is, covering the entire body).

However, most often tremor is already a sign of the development of chronic alcoholism. Characterized by moderate tremors, usually of the hands, tongue and head. With chronic alcoholism, the tremor increases in the morning and on an empty stomach. Sometimes it decreases and even disappears after eating or drinking alcohol, which forces the alcoholic to take the easy way and, instead of treatment, drink again in the morning in order to temporarily relieve the torment.

How to live with tremors?

In fact, it’s quite simple: try to avoid situations that would strengthen it. It is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, play sports, learn to rest and recuperate, and also switch your attention.

Also, you should not load those parts of the body that experience trembling . If it’s your hands, then don’t carry heavy things, use a voice assistant on your phone, give up written documents, and learn to use contactless payment instead of cash in stores.

Tremor remains with a person forever if it is not cured in time. Therefore, if you are caring for a relative who suffers from this disease, then seek medical help as soon as possible. Possible complications of untreated tremor are constant trembling, unpleasant effects on internal organs and muscles, and numbness.

Tremor of the limbs in any case requires treatment . Try to make it voluntary. Explain to your relative how much he will lose if he does not get rid of alcohol addiction and related syndromes in time: work, family, money, status in society. Your job is to show how complicated life becomes with the advent of alcoholism.

If you cannot persuade a person to undergo voluntary treatment, then you can call a narcologist or psychologist to your home, who will talk with the patient and do everything in his power to get him to go to a hospital for treatment . Inpatient treatment is the best method to quickly and efficiently help a person cope not only with tremors, but also with alcohol addiction in general. Almost always such treatment is anonymous, and modern medical methods quickly and easily put alcoholics on their feet.

Useful tips

To determine the reasons for eliminating tremors in the hands and resuming normal functioning of muscle tissue, you need to perform the following exercises:

You need to connect your hands and raise your arms in front of your eyes. Take a deep breath and exhale. At the same time, lower one hand lower, but you need to squeeze your fingers. Then the same is done with the other hand, the number of repetitions is 10 times.
If you have hand tremors, you can rub your palms until warmth appears. Exercise allows you to get rid of trembling due to anxiety or stress disorders.

When hand tremors occur due to a hangover, you need to use the following traditional medicine:

50 g of propolis is added to 0.5 vodka. The resulting mixture is kept for about 2 weeks, then consumed 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. lie
Motherwort tincture is taken 1 spoon maximum 4 times a day.
St. John's wort tincture is consumed 2 times a day.

These remedies help get rid of unpleasant symptoms such as hand tremors due to over-drinking.