Sausalito, CA – Alta Mira is a local rehab that recently published an article exposing the true cause of alcohol shakes. Their facility offers private and quality accommodations paired with expert-led care.
“Alcohol is a psychoactive depressant that modulates brain activity, resulting in the suppression of central nervous system function. Although low to moderate alcohol consumption does not typically induce tremors, individuals who engage in heavy alcohol use and subsequently experience withdrawal are at significant risk for developing motor tremors. These tremors, commonly affecting the hands, can substantially impair daily functioning. While the reintroduction of alcohol temporarily alleviates these tremors, recurrent withdrawal episodes increase the risk of provoking their resurgence,” the article states.
Both alcohol tremors and delirium tremens (DTs) are associated with alcohol withdrawal, though they represent different levels of severity. Tremors accompanied by other withdrawal symptoms are common in individuals who have engaged in prolonged heavy alcohol consumption. In contrast, delirium tremens (DTs) involve a more severe and potentially life-threatening form of withdrawal. Although rare, DTs necessitate urgent medical intervention due to their serious complications. Clinically, DTs present with hallucinations, delirium accompanied by agitation, and seizures, which pose significant risks to the individual’s health.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms carry a high variability with dependent factors such as metabolism, length of time drinking, and amount of alcohol consumed per sitting. Common symptoms experienced include hand and body tremors, increased sweating, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, increased agitation, anxiety, increased body temperature, gait disturbances, and tachycardia.
The timeline of alcohol withdrawal is complex, with varying onset and progression of symptoms. Mild alcohol withdrawal typically begins approximately six hours after the last drink and is characterized by motor and autonomic symptoms. This phase generally resolves within 48 hours. Moderate alcohol withdrawal, which includes psychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations, also begins around six hours post-ingestion and persists for approximately six days.
"Severe alcohol withdrawal is marked by acute symptomatic seizures, often commencing within 4 to 6 hours after the last drink. This stage is associated with significant psychiatric disturbances, and by the 48-hour mark, the risk of developing delirium tremens (DTs) becomes elevated. In cases where DTs occur, symptoms may persist for up to 14 days, necessitating prompt and intensive medical management.
Chronic alcohol consumption coupled with recurrent episodes of withdrawal significantly elevates the risk of developing severe medical conditions. Prolonged exposure to alcohol results in cumulative neurological and hepatic damage, exacerbating adverse outcomes. These effects include permanent tremors and other debilitating symptoms, which can profoundly impair an individual’s quality of life and functional capacity,” the article continues.
A widely known yet under-diagnosed condition associated with chronic alcohol consumption is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. The condition is divided into two diagnoses – Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) and Korsakoff syndrome (KS). WE is an acute neuropsychiatric disorder, whereas KS is a chronic condition involving severe cognitive impairment and memory formation. Both are the result of a vitamin B1 deficiency.
Studies have shown that chronic alcohol consumption contributes to vitamin B1 deficiency through multiple mechanisms, including inadequate dietary intake, reduced gastrointestinal absorption, increased renal excretion, hepatic storage impairment, enzyme inhibition, gut microbiota disruption, and magnesium deficiency.
Alta Mira is a facility specializing in the treatment of substance use disorders in adults. Their program combines multidisciplinary approaches with holistic practices encompassing a whole-person approach to care. The staff is composed of leading experts in the field of substance use, with decades of experience to back their practices.
To learn more about Alta Mira, call 866-922-1350 or visit their website.
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For more information about Alta Mira Recovery Programs, contact the company here:
Alta Mira Recovery Programs
Kacy DeSilva
866-922-1350
kdesilva@galenmentalhealth.com
125 Bulkley Ave Sausalito, CA 94965
