The shakes?

[AnotherLongDay]

Hi everyone
My exh is an alcoholic and I’ve noticed recently that he had very shaky, twitchy hands and possibly other muscles too. Could this be related to drinking, or hangover/withdrawal? He’s 50

thank you

The shakes is often a sign of physical dependence, if the body withdrawing from alcohol. It can been seen after large binges as well, but in long term alcoholics not binging it tends towards dependence.

Trying to control the shakes probably contributed to my going further down that dark path horribly enough. It's a horrible cycle.

Sometimes it happens after a heavy session or when they want more drink after stopping for however long... they think it will help them, then it becomes worse going round in circles.

Hey @AnotherLongDay if your husband is the kind of alcoholic who drinks every day the shakes and agitation (often leg muscles tensing) could well indicate a period of withdrawal. It can come on as little as 6hrs after the last drink.

For some people who drink consistently heavily their brain chemistry changes to adapt to the frequent presence of alcohol. At this stage it can mean they have to have a drink just to be back to normal.

These guys in the screenshot from VeryWellMind are all describing severe symptoms on day 1 of not drinking alcohol, and certainly shakes are among them.

For someone who is chemically dependent on alcohol, every day can start like these day 1 experiences until they have a drink.

I hope it isn't affecting you too much it can be very scary/sad to witness X

Thank you all, you’ve confirmed what I was suspecting. It is very sad to see.
He drinks every day - evenings, so I think it could be daily withdrawal. Is it safe to drive in this condition?

I doubt he should be driving at all and should have advised the DVLA. Ex DH is the same, he gets the shakes when he needs a top up.

So sorry you are going through this.