How To Deal With Tremors During Detox

‘The shakes’ are common during detox. Tremors can be mildly uncomfortable, or can be experienced alongside serious withdrawal symptoms such as seizures. Tremors can be physically inconvenient and emotionally distressing to experience. To navigate this aspect of the detox journey, it is helpful to understand why tremors happen and how to combat them to provide both comfort and peace of mind.

What causes tremors?

A tremor is a ‘neurological condition that includes shaking or trembling movements in one or more parts of the body, most commonly a person’s hands.’ Tremors are an involuntary movement in the body. Whilst a potential sign of drug or alcohol addiction, tremors can also be symptomatic of other conditions, including:

• Parkinson’s
• Alzheimer’s
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Liver or kidney failure

Currently, ‘the precise way that tremors emerge is not well known,’ however, various theories explain tremors as having both physiological and neurological causes.

Physiological causes

Tremors during withdrawal are ‘a variant of enhanced physiological tremor.’ This is caused by stress. As the body and the brain endure the stress of alcohol detox, we enter a withdrawal state. Individuals with alcohol addictions had markers of ‘low amplitude postural tremor.’ (This means small tremors in the hands and other areas when the individual is ‘holding a position against gravity.’) During detox, it takes more effort for us to hold our bodies in certain ways. This leads to trembling when moving or resting.

Neurological causes

During detoxification, neurotransmitter levels change. When someone stops drinking alcohol, their GABA receptor stimulation decreases. This can lead to tremors, increased nervousness and seizures. Research also suggests that NMDA becomes more active without alcohol to suppress it. This can also lead to tremors and discomfort.

Exacerbating factors

Whilst tremors are a symptom of drug withdrawal, there are specific instances where your tremors may be made worse. Tremors can be heightened as a result of:

• Stress
• Fatigue
• Dehydration
• Specific substances (such as alcohol, cocaine, heroin, and caffeine)
• Specific medications (such as SSRI antidepressants, lithium and amitriptyline)

Where possible, managing these factors can help abate some of the tremors you may be experiencing and allow you to feel more comfortable during drug detox.

Managing Tremors

There are five key areas to focus on to manage the intensity of tremors. These are:

1. Hydration and nutrition
2. Stress reduction techniques
3. Gentle physical activity
4. Medications and supplements
5. Controlling temperature

By addressing these five areas, you can not only begin to control your tremors but also alleviate feelings of general anxiety, stress, lethargy and ill health that you may encounter during detox.

Hydration and nutrition

The body needs electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium and magnesium) in order to function. Electrolytes allow our nerves and muscles to work as they should. If we are low on electrolytes, we may find that these functions are impaired – leading to tremors. Staying hydrated helps replenish our electrolyte levels. Aim for 1.2 litres of water daily (between 6 and 8 glasses) to stay hydrated.

Similarly, we can make sure we are eating our electrolytes. Try to eat foods high in sodium, potassium and magnesium. Try and reduce your caffeine intake, as caffeine can exacerbate tremors. Eating meals at regular times can also decrease tremors as the body has a consistent, steady flow of energy through good nutrition.

Stress reduction techniques

We’ve all experienced feeling shaky when we’re stressed – and detoxing can feel very intense. Find ways to manage your stress levels, where possible, positively. Try incorporating any of the following into your routine:

• Deep breathing
• Meditation
• Mindfulness activities
• Progressive muscle relaxation

Gentle physical activity

Tremors can happen even when we’re lying down. This means it can be helpful to give some attention to our bodies and begin to move mindfully in order to rebuild strength and confidence in movement. Gentle exercises can be very beneficial. You could try:

• Walking
• Tai chi
• Yoga

These can alleviate tremors and can also offer a positive wellbeing boost.

Medications and supplements

We sometimes need to supplement our diets so that our bodies can get everything they need. There are medications and supplements you can use to manage tremors, such as:

• Beta-blockers
• Tranquillisers
• Magnesium
• Vitamin B6

Controlling Temperature

Tremors can worsen with the cold. Eliminating that shivery feeling by wearing layers of light, warm clothing can increase our comfort. Using blankets, heating pads and hot water bottles, drinking decaffeinated hot drinks and aiming to maintain an ambient temperature makes a difference.

Seeking support during addiction detox

For many people, the detox stage can be a tricky component of drug addiction recovery. For that reason, it is highly recommended that you seek professional support and guidance from an appropriate clinician. They can provide you with personalised guidance during detox to ensure your safety. If you seek guidance on finding the right detox centre for you, contact us today.