Heavy Drinking Definition

What is considered heavy drinking is based on how many drinks you consume or how often. For men, heavy drinking is defined as more than four drinks on any given day or more than 14 in a week. For women, it is more than three drinks in a day or more than seven in a week.

People who drink heavily may be binge drinkers. Binges are more than five beverages for men or four for women in about two hours. No definition of heavy drinking or binge drinking allows people to use a high tolerance as a reason for consuming more alcohol.

How much alcohol is too much is related to drink size. If someone drinks at home or at a place with larger pours, they must consider the total amount they are consuming. For example, one 12-ounce regular beer is one standard drink. If they are drinking pints, three beverages amount to 48 ounces. That is the equivalent of four drinks. Five ounces of wine also equals one drink.

Consequences of Excessive Drinking

There are short- and long-term risks to heavy drinking that affect your health, family life, and ability to perform well at school or work.

Short-Term Risks

Heavy drinking puts you in immediate danger of:

• Risky sexual behavior that can result in pregnancy or STDs
• Injuries from motor vehicle accidents, falls, burns, and drowning
• Alcohol poisoning 
• Increased risk of violence, including homicide, partner violence, suicide, and sexual assault
• Miscarriage, stillbirth, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Long-Term Risks

Over time, continued heavy drinking results in:

• Increased risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, colon, and breast
• Weakened immune system
• Health problems such as liver disease, stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and digestive problems
• Learning and memory problems due to brain damage
• Mental health problems such as anxiety and depression
• Social problems that affect your family and work life, including unemployment
• Alcohol use disorder

If you continue drinking despite knowing it is negatively affecting your health, social, or work life, you have alcohol use disorder. This does not mean that you can’t stop. It means you will have to work hard to wean your body and mind off alcohol and change the focus of your life to setting and meeting positive goals. 

Several proven treatment methods can help you stop drinking altogether. Seek help from a program with a proven track record of guiding people through their recovery by providing caring, compassionate support and effective treatments.

Drinking Too Much Alcohol? 

If you or a loved one need help to stop heavy drinking, call Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers at (866) 582-5769 or contact our recovery experts through our confidential online form. We believe there is hope for healing for all people with substance use disorders, and we treat every person with empathy and respect. Our evidence-based treatments can help you reach the substance-free life you deserve.

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While the addiction treatment community celebrates this milestone, its leaders urge patients to seek care that combines medication therapy with evidence-based psychotherapeutic services for improved results.

Understanding the X-Waiver (DATA Waiver) Change

Section 1262 of the Omnibus bill removes the requirement for healthcare practitioners to have a waiver before prescribing medications like buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. Previously, clinicians had to file a Notice of Intent, or waiver application, before dispensing medication to those with OUD. Even after approval, clinicians had to adhere to limitations in the number of patients treated with buprenorphine.

Today, all practitioners with DEA registrations and Schedule III authority can prescribe this drug for the treatment of opioid dependence, if permitted by state authorities. The DEA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are working to compile training requirements. However, they are not expected to roll out until June 2023.

Effective Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

In its policy brief on opioid use disorder, the National Institute on Drug Abuse specifies that while drugs like buprenorphine are “essential medicines,” they “should be combined with behavioral counseling for a whole-patient approach.” This blend of therapy and medication is called medication-assisted treatment, or MAT.

The effect is complementary. According to a study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, prescribing medication increases clients’ social functioning, engagement, and retention in treatment. Patients receiving MAT were more likely to remain enrolled in therapy and avoid overdose than their unmedicated counterparts.

Conversely, experts say participating in a therapeutic program is crucial for relapse prevention. Working with a professional empowers clients to unpack the issues fueling their addictions. Opioid use disorder is often connected to trauma, chronic pain, and mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Leaving these concerns unaddressed increases the possibility of relapse, while confronting them head-on lays the groundwork for lasting recovery. Counseling offers an opportunity to treat the whole patient: mentally and physically. Centers like Lakeside-Milam offer a specialized, person-centered approach to the treatment of addiction.

Buprenorphine and Therapy in Washington State

Lakeside-Milam offers medication-assisted treatment for residents of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Our proven approach combines one-on-one therapy, group support, and FDA-approved medications for the successful resolution of opioid use disorder. We highly recommend MAT for those dependent on heroin, Percocet, Vicodin, fentanyl, OxyContin, and other opiates.

With more than 100,000 clean and sober alumni, Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers has a rich history of time-tested treatment. Our expert clinicians are standing by to offer empathetic support and life-changing care to anyone struggling with opioid use disorder. Contact our toll-free admissions line to learn more about the efficacy of buprenorphine and psychotherapy.  

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An Overview of Drug Overdose

Put simply, a drug overdose is a series of serious symptoms that occurs when a person takes too much of a substance. Illicit drug overdose includes illegal drugs as well as opiates and fentanyl.

Drug overdoses have a harmful effect on bodily functions, leading to serious medical issues and even death. In fact, according to the CDC, the number of drug overdose deaths in the US reached over 100,000 in 2022.

Many of these deaths occur because the victims were not aware they were experiencing an overdose. This is why it’s important to know common signs that indicate that someone has taken too much of a drug.

Common Drug Overdose Symptoms

Many illicit drugs and opiates are potent and can change the ways people feel and behave. So, you may see someone acting strangely and wonder, “Is this a normal effect, or is this an overdose?” 

There are several symptoms to look out for after taking too much of a drug. For example, you may notice some observable changes such as a pale face, clamminess, or blue lips or fingernails. The person will also experience physical discomfort, such as nausea and vomiting, chest pain, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of balance and coordination, confusion, and drowsiness.

There are also some more severe side effects to be aware of, such as unexpected seizures, agitation, paranoia, and hallucinations. These symptoms are definite indicators that someone has taken a dangerous dosage of drugs. 

What to Do If You Observe Drug Overdose Symptoms

As you can see, overdosing causes serious health complications. So what can you do if you notice signs of an overdose?

If You Personally Experience an Overdose

It’s important to know what to do if you’re overdosing so you can get the help you need. If you think you’re experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately and let them know. 

Be honest about what you took and which symptoms you have. Remain in the same area while you wait for help to arrive, and keep your drug containers for first responders to take to the hospital.

When Someone Else ODs

Those with addicted loved ones should consider keeping Narcan on hand. The generic name for this life-saving drug is naloxone. When administered, it can reverse an opioid-induced overdose. Naloxone is covered by Medicaid in the state of Washington, and it can be obtained at pharmacies without a prescription. Visit the Washington State Department of Health website for more information about Narcan.

If you notice someone else experiencing a drug overdose and do not have any naloxone in the house, stay calm and call 911. 

If they are still responsive, you may ask them what they’re feeling, what they’ve taken, and how long they’ve been experiencing symptoms. Do not give them anything to eat or drink or try to make them vomit. Keep any containers so medical personnel can identify the substance and provide appropriate treatment.

If the person is unconscious but breathing, gently place them on their side. Tilt their head back and lift their chin so that their airway remains open. Check their breathing and continue to monitor their condition until help arrives.

If you think someone may have overdosed but aren’t sure, call Poison Control to get advice about what you should do.

It is always best to act quickly in the event of a suspected overdose. The sooner you can get help, the better the outcome will be.

What Happens Next?

Once someone ODs, they should seek inpatient treatment. This will involve a mental health evaluation and may also include options such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication.

Drug overdoses are life-threatening situations that occur when you take too much of a drug. Don’t lose hope if you’re suffering from an addiction. You can recover and avoid drug overdose with the right treatment. Contact Lakeside-Milam today to get the help you need on your road to recovery.

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What is Bipolar Disorder?

A person with bipolar disorder experiences dramatic shifts in their mood, energy level, and thought processes. This mental illness is divided into three categories: Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, and Cyclothymic Disorder. Each of these conditions has similar symptoms, but they differ in how long each episode of depression or mania lasts. Generally, signs of bipolar disorder include:

• Depression: Periods of intense sadness, low mood or energy, hopelessness, lack of motivation, little interest in activities, and difficulty concentrating.
• Mania: Periods of irritability, high energy, insomnia, racing thoughts, risk-taking behavior, and loss of appetite.

The duration of each episode can vary from a few days to several weeks. To diagnose bipolar disorder, providers look for a pattern of symptoms over time. This helps to eliminate other possible explanations, like depressive disorders. It also ensures accurate treatment for the person’s mental health condition.

Bipolar and Substance Use Disorders

According to a research analysis published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, bipolar disorder and substance use disorders commonly co-occur. In fact, 42% of those with this mental health condition also struggled with alcohol use disorder, and 17% misused illicit drugs. There are two leading theories as to why this happens.

The first is that those with bipolar disorder use substances as an attempt to self-medicate. Managing symptoms requires professional support, and those who try to do this alone are more likely to turn to unhealthy coping strategies like drugs or alcohol. 

The second theory is that these disorders affect similar brain functions, like impulse control, motivation, and reward systems. Both bipolar disorder and substance use disorders impact a person’s impulse control, making them more likely to develop one or both of these conditions. 

How is Bipolar Treated?

Effective treatment for co-occurring bipolar and substance use disorders requires an integrative approach. Often, this process includes a combination of medication, individual therapy, group therapy, and psychoeducation. 

Evidence-based therapeutic interventions, like cognitive-behavioral therapy, help those with a dual diagnosis learn to manage their symptoms and behaviors while addressing underlying issues. 

It is recommended that those with severe bipolar disorder seek stabilization at an accredited mental health facility before pursuing treatment for co-occurring substance use disorders.

Dual-Capable Treatment Programming

Lakeside-Milam is considered a dual-capable facility. We help those who have achieved stabilization for conditions like bipolar disorder to find sobriety. 

Our treatment programs are staffed by experienced, compassionate team members who are experts in the resolution of alcohol use disorder and drug addiction. 

Whether you need the consistency of a residential program or would benefit from outpatient therapy, we are here for you. Contact us today to learn more. 

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What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

Not every alcohol intoxication is an alcohol poisoning. The effects of alcohol accumulate in predictable stages (numbered here for ease of understanding, not according to any official medical statement). Which stage any individual drinker will reach depends on how much alcohol is consumed; how quickly it is consumed; and the drinker’s physical condition, age, gender, and body type.

Stage 1: Slight reductions in normal inhibitions and reaction times. No obvious change in drinker’s normal functioning.

Stage 2: Drinker becomes “tipsy,” laughs easily and talks carelessly. Perceptible effects on normal physical coordination.

Stage 3: Speech becomes slurred, poor coordination pronounced. Drinker may vomit or act out bursts of violent emotion.

Stage 4: Mental and physical functioning become obviously sluggish. Increased vomiting or incontinence may occur.

Stage 5: Alcohol poisoning. Skin turns blue, becomes cold and clammy to the touch. Breathing slows to fewer than eight sporadic breaths per minute. Pulse is slow and weak. Drinker often loses consciousness (sometimes becoming comatose), and is at high risk for seizures, choking on their own vomit, and complete stoppage of vital functions.

How to Prevent Alcohol Poisoning

The surest way to prevent alcohol poisoning is to avoid alcohol completely. While this isn’t the sole option for everyone, it’s definitely advisable if:

• Any of your close relatives have a history of alcoholism
• You’re planning to drive anywhere within the next several hours (even normally safe alcohol levels can affect judgment sufficiently to constitute risk at high speeds, in heavy traffic, at night, or during inclement weather)
• You’re taking any prescribed or over-the-counter medication that has sedative effects, and/or states on its label, “Do Not Take With Alcohol”

Be aware, also, of the possibility of unintentionally ingesting alcohol. Keep any products containing alcohol (these can include mouthwash and even cleaning products) out of the reach of children. Watch out for beverages with unknown alcohol content. And if you’re at a party or restaurant and someone “hospitably” refills your half-empty wine glass, better to put the whole drink aside than risk underestimating the total amount.

What to Do in Case of Alcohol Poisoning

If you even suspect that someone has consumed alcohol to the point of poisoning, call for emergency medical help immediately. Don’t let fear of “getting them in trouble” keep you from prompt action: this could be a matter of life and death.

If the patient is conscious, help them into a sitting position on the ground or floor. Keep them warm, calm, and (if they’re capable of swallowing water) hydrated until help arrives. Do not try to “help them sober up” with exercise or a cold shower: this can easily make things worse (and doesn’t work, even at lower intoxication levels).

If they pass out, minimize choking risk by moving them into a side-lying position, with face clear of the ground and limbs positioned to prevent rolling. Stay ready to administer rescue breathing or other first aid if necessary. When medics arrive, be prepared to provide details on how much alcohol was consumed, and on medical history (including drinking habits) if possible.

Hospital-level alcohol poisoning treatment involves intravenous hydration, stomach pumping, filtering alcohol from the blood—and, likely, evaluating the patient for alcohol use disorder (alcoholism). If alcoholism is diagnosed and/or binge drinking is habitual, further medical treatment, with therapy, will be recommended to prevent future occurrences of alcohol poisoning and other drinking-related problems.

Find Freedom from Alcohol Addiction

Intoxication, even at the alcohol-poisoning level, is a one-time unpleasant experience for some people. For many others, though, frequent episodes are a symptom of being addicted to alcohol—in which case the long-term consequences of regular intake may be lethal. Professional medical help is essential to recovery. Lakeside-Milam is the largest treatment center in the Pacific Northwest: contact us to learn how you can detox from alcohol dependence and reclaim your long-term health.

Recommended articles:

• “Alcohol Poisoning.” (Mayo Clinic)
• “Alcohol Poisoning Deaths.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• “Binge Drinking.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• “Understanding the Dangers of Alcohol Overdose.” (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)

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Understanding Fentanyl

While fentanyl has only recently gained national notoriety, it has existed since the 1960s. Originally developed for the treatment of intense cancer-related pain, this semi-synthetic opioid was designed to be between 50 and 300 times more powerful than morphine. Today, it is responsible for tens of thousands of overdoses. Consuming just 0.00015 grams of this substance exposes a person to a significant risk of death – to illustrate how minute this amount is, consider that one teaspoon is equivalent to five grams.

Fentanyl is a lab-made, semi-synthetic opioid. Beginning in the late 70s and early 80s, people began manufacturing this drug in clandestine labs. Since this time, multiple variants of fentanyl have emerged, including one that is 10,000 times stronger than morphine. In addition to the promised pain-relieving effects, opioids can have other effects that make them incredibly addictive. These include euphoria, deep relaxation, and disconnection from reality.

In recent years, dealers began to use fentanyl to cut other drugs. Because clandestinely produced fentanyl is so cheap to manufacture and so aggressively potent, dealers replaced more expensive ingredients with this substance. As a result, many people who die of fentanyl-induced overdoses did not even realize that their drug of choice – often cocaine – contained this lethal substance. Additionally, they are at risk of unknowingly mixing this opioid with other CNS depressants: alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates.   

Identifying Contaminated Drugs with Fentanyl Test Strips

Fortunately, there is a solution to fentanyl overdoses – one that is expected to save thousands of lives. Fentanyl test strips were originally created to screen urine samples for the potent semi-synthetic opioid, but today, they have become more commonly used to test drugs before consumption. The strips are affordable and can even be found through local community organizations.

Additionally, research shows that those who used these strips and received positive test results were more likely to take steps to reduce their risk of overdose. Their preventative actions included disposing of the supply, using less of the drugs, or being sure to use in the company of others. Scientists and addiction education advocates are hopeful that the use of fentanyl test strips will create the ideal environment for people to avoid overdoses and, in time, to pursue recovery.

How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips

The use of fentanyl test strips is easy and straightforward. People dip the strip in a mixture of water and drug residue before using. After five minutes, they check the strip for their results. Seeing one line means that the sample contains fentanyl. Two lines mean that no fentanyl was detected. If the test does not display any lines at all, it is defective, and the process should be repeated with a new fentanyl test strip. Each strip should be used just once.

Break the Cycle of Addiction at Lakeside-Milam

At Lakeside-Milam, we understand the risks that people with addiction face every day. You deserve to live a safe life free from the fear of fentanyl overdose. If you are ready to embrace sobriety and take steps towards lifelong recovery, we’re here for you. Contact our admissions team to learn more about the treatment options available across our various Washington locations.

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When someone you love begins to look and act differently, you may be concerned that they’ve developed a substance use disorder. Sometimes, physical changes and erratic behaviors can indicate a pattern of intravenous drug use. If you’re concerned that your friend or family member has started to abuse heroin, methamphetamine, or other drugs, help is available. Today, we’ll teach you how to tell if someone is shooting up drugs.

IV Drug Use Explained

Intravenous drug use – also known as IV drug use – can be a sign of a severe substance use disorder. If someone is taking drugs intravenously, it means that they are injecting substances directly into their veins with syringes.

Consuming drugs this way is much riskier than other methods of use. Potential complications include increased risk of overdose, serious infections, cardiovascular disease, endocarditis, HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis C. In addition to these conditions, IV drug users may experience collapsed veins, scarring, abscesses, and other health problems. As their veins collapse, people may switch to intramuscular injections. This tactic carries its own serious long-term risks, including wound botulism, gas gangrene, tetanus, and necrotizing fasciitis.

If IV drug use is so dangerous, why do people do it? Simply put, injecting drugs results in a near-instantaneous, extremely powerful high. While taking drugs orally forces the body to metabolize the drugs in the intestines before they can cross the blood-brain barrier, IV drugs immediately enter the bloodstream. Since effects are felt within a minute of injection, the on-demand nature of shooting up can become addictive. 

Intravenous Drugs

Most often, intravenous drug use is associated with heroin. However, people inject a variety of different substances. The most common intravenous drugs are:

• Heroin
• Amphetamines
• Benzodiazepines
• Barbiturates
• Prescription opioids
• Cocaine
• PCP
• Bath salts (synthetic cathinones)
• Prescription stimulants
• Methamphetamine

How to Tell If Someone is Shooting Up Drugs

As we’ve discussed, intravenous drug use is incredibly dangerous. While it results in a faster, stronger high, it also increases the risk of addiction, infection, overdose, and even death. By identifying the signs of IV drug use, you may be able to help someone seek treatment before their situation worsens. People who are shooting up will exhibit both physical and behavioral symptoms of addiction.

Physical Signs of Addiction

• Track marks – Look for scars or sores on your loved one’s body. They will most commonly appear on the arms, but can also be found on the hands, feet, legs, and neck. If your loved one insists on wearing long sleeves and long pants – even when inappropriate for the weather – they may be trying to conceal scars.
• Skin problems – Injecting drugs can easily lead to infection. Look for abscesses, irritation, and redness. You may also see bumps on their skin; such marks are indicative of intramuscular injection.
• Collapsed or scarred veins – If you see bruises under someone’s skin, they may have extensive vein damage as a result of IV drug use.
• Poor hygiene – Individuals who are addicted to drugs let many things fall by the wayside, including their physical appearance. If your loved one seems disheveled, they may have developed a chemical dependence.
• Rapid weight loss – People who are addicted to drugs also tend to ignore their dietary needs. If they do eat, they may seek out sugary or fatty treats without much nutritional value. Malnutrition is a common cause of sudden weight loss for those dealing with a substance use disorder.

Behavioral Signs of Addiction

• Change in personality – If your once-quiet spouse has become outspoken and goofy, you may wonder what’s going on. Substance use lowers one’s inhibitions and can result in uncharacteristic personality traits. Those who are under the influence may become combative, silly, depressed, or anything in between.
• Ignoring commitments – People who are distracted by addiction often struggle to function at work or home. They forget important responsibilities, don’t show up for family events, and may even lose their jobs. It’s also common for people in active addiction to neglect their hobbies and passions in favor of obtaining, using, and recovering from drugs.
• New “friends” – Even as they avoid the people you know, your loved one may begin hanging out with new people you’ve never seen before: fellow drug users.
• Financial troubles – Buying drugs is expensive, and often, it causes people to experience severe financial problems. Your loved one may borrow or steal to keep up their drug use.

Help for IV Drug Use

If you’re concerned about a friend or family member’s drug use, you’ve come to the right place. Lakeside-Milam is the premier addiction treatment center in the Pacific Northwest. Our expert clinicians are standing by to help you to navigate this challenging time. We provide evidence-based care rooted in scientific research and industry best practices. Through a combination of compassionate support and proven programming, we guide people from addiction to a life of recovery.

To learn more about treatment for IV drug use, contact our admissions team.

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Each December, we observe National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. This observance brings attention to the dangers of drinking and driving this holiday season. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are both beloved times of celebration, but for many, they end in tragedy. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 10,000 Americans died from a drunk-driving crash in 2019. Learn the facts about driving under the influence.

How Substances Affect Your Ability to Drive

Alcohol and marijuana are central nervous system depressants. This means that they reduce your brain’s ability to reason, make snap decisions, and move in a coordinated fashion. As a person uses more drugs or consumes higher amounts of alcohol, these effects are intensified.

Below is some information from the NHTSA about how certain concentrations of alcohol – a person’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) – impact their ability to operate a vehicle.

0.02 – Increased relaxation and loss of judgement. Declined ability to visually track a target (like another car) and ability to multitask.

0.05 – Loss of fine motor control (like focusing one’s eyes), lowered inhibition and alertness. Reduced coordination results in difficulty steering and inability to respond to emergency situations while driving.

0.08 – Extremely poor coordination, balance, speech, hearing, and reaction time. Self-control, memory, and judgement severely impaired. Driver becomes unable to concentrate on the road and may even experience short-term memory loss. A person driving under the influence at this level loses the ability to process visual information, like traffic signals.

0.10 – Reaction time and control have significantly deteriorated. Slowed thinking and poor coordination reduce a person’s ability to remain in their own lane or brake appropriately.

0.15 – Vomiting may occur alongside major balance and muscle control problems. Individuals at this level cannot pay attention to the road or control their vehicle. Severe auditory and visual information processing errors arise.

Of course, those who have consumed stimulants are also driving under the influence. Cocaine, ecstasy, and methamphetamine are examples of drugs that increase the activity of one’s nervous system. While this may seem like a good thing, these substances actually cause people to drive more aggressively, misjudge reality, and make riskier decisions. This is why driving under the influence of any substance is a dangerous choice.

Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Medication

Even doctor-prescribed substances can negatively affect your ability to pilot a vehicle. Think about warning labels and pharmaceutical commercials that warn patients not to operate heavy machinery after taking that medicine. While many people think of bulldozers and forklifts, those labels are actually talking about cars. This confusion has resulted in revised warnings and new public awareness campaigns from the NHTSA.

Washington State DUI Laws

DUI laws vary by state. In Washington, the penalty for driving under the influence is usually a gross misdemeanor. Washington’s DUI penalty statute, RCW 46.61.5055, outlines mandatory minimum sentencing parameters for this offense. Those who are arrested for driving under the influence face mandatory jail time, driver’s license suspension, and significant fines. Conviction may also involve electric home monitoring (house arrest), probation, and the installation of a mandatory ignition interlock device.

Penalties become more severe if someone has previously been charged with driving under the influence. While a first-time offender must spend a minimum of 24 hours in jail, for example, someone receiving their third charge will be incarcerated for a minimum of 90 consecutive days. Unfortunately, people dealing with a substance use disorder often experience multiple run-ins with the law while driving. For this reason, judges often send repeat offenders to court-ordered drug and alcohol treatment.

Getting Help for Substance Use Disorder

Driving under the influence is dangerous – not just for you, but for others on the road. At Lakeside-Milam, we offer life-changing addiction treatment services. We have been accredited by CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and the ASAM (the American Society of Addiction Medicine). When you choose to attend treatment at an accredited facility, you can rest assured that the center is safe, comfortable, clean, and well-maintained. These seals of approval also indicate that staff members are appropriately trained in evidence-based, effective treatment methods backed by science.

Addiction is a disease that affects every aspect of your life: physically, mentally, socially, financially, and even legally. If you have been charged with driving under the influence, contact Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers. We offer legal support services through our deferred prosecution program. Our thorough assessment and comprehensive approach to treatment offers a clear roadmap to lifelong recovery.

To learn more, contact the Lakeside-Milam admissions team. We look forward to speaking with you.

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Many binge drinkers are familiar with the tremors that follow a big night out. Some people feel them all over, while others report that only their fingers or hands are affected. The more often you imbibe, the more likely you are to experience these effects. If you’re shaking after drinking, you’ve probably Googled “how to get rid of hangover shakes” or “alcohol tremors.” Today, we’ll discuss this symptom, as well as whether it is a sign of addiction.

What Causes Shaking After Drinking?

Shaking after drinking is a separate concern from alcohol withdrawal. However, the same nervous system changes that cause delirium tremens may also be responsible for short-term alcohol tremors. Here’s why they happen.

Consuming alcohol causes GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors to lose sensitivity and decrease in number. At the same time, glutamate receptors multiply and gain sensitivity. Ideally, this allows the body to overcome alcohol’s sedative effects.

After someone has fully processed all alcohol, the entire nervous system stays unbalanced. This results in:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating
• Shaking and tremors

When Will The Alcohol Shakes Go Away?

Remember that everyone experiences shaking after drinking in a different way. For this reason, it’s challenging to predict exactly how long it will take to get rid of your tremors. Certain factors, like low blood sugar, can worsen the shakes. Most professionals estimate that symptoms should cease within a day (or two at the most). If your shakes are a result of alcohol withdrawal, you may have developed a problem requiring clinical care.

Shaking After Drinking: A Sign of Alcohol Withdrawal

Ongoing alcohol abuse causes the body to acclimate to a specific level of this substance. When a person tries to stop drinking, their body will react with a series of symptoms. These are a sign that a true chemical dependency has begun. People in this position often experience anxiety, cravings, insomnia, nausea, heart palpitations, sudden mood shifts, and tremors.

The most severe form of alcohol withdrawal is called delirium tremens, often shortened as the DTs. They include:

• Agitation and irritation
• Disorientation and confusion
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate
• Hallucinations (hearing or seeing things)
• Increased body temperature (fever)
• Severe tremors
• Seizures

How to Quit Drinking

Here is a quiz about alcohol use disorder for your reference. If any of these items feel familiar to you, it’s time to get help.

In the past year, have you…

1. Spent a lot of time drinking or recovering from a night of drinking?
2. Given up activities you loved to drink more often?
3. Tried to cut down, or wanted to, but couldn’t?
4. Ended up drinking more than you meant to?
5. Had to drink increasingly more alcohol to feel the effects?
6. Kept drinking, even if it caused conflict with your friends and family?
7. Found that your alcohol use has interfered with your life or responsibilities?
8. Felt a strong craving for a drink?
9. Done something dangerous while under the influence, like driving?
10. Kept drinking even though it negatively affected your mental health?
11. Experienced withdrawal symptoms as alcohol wore off?

We all need a wakeup call sometimes. For many people, this is it. If you regret drinking so much that you have become shaky, it may be time to seek professional help for alcoholism. Managing withdrawal on your own can be uncomfortable at best and life-threatening at worst. That is why governing organizations recommend recovering from alcohol use disorder while under medical supervision.

Help for Alcoholism in Washington State

Addiction wreaks havoc on every aspect of your life. Over a long enough timeline, you’ll notice that it has harmed your physical health, relationships, and finances. Fortunately, with evidence-based care, it is possible to overcome alcohol use disorder.

Lakeside-Milam offers proven, accredited addiction treatment in Washington State. Our highly trained staff members have helped over 100,000 people to find recovery. As the largest treatment provider in the Pacific Northwest, we have fully dedicated ourselves to the resolution of substance use disorders. To learn more about our residential and outpatient programs, contact the Lakeside-Milam admissions team.

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