shakes

noun[plural only]3

1. •
   (slang) Delirium tremens; typically due to alcohol withdrawal.

   • If I don't get a drink soon, I'll get the shakes.
2. •
   (informal) A pattern of behavior including twitches, tics and spasms typical of withdrawal from addiction.

   • [Recovering video game addicts] also have sleep disorders, the shakes and numbness in their hands. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/07/05/china_net_addicts/
   • When researchers either stopped the diet or administered an opioid blocker, the rats showed signs common to drug withdrawal, such as teeth-chattering and the shakes. http://apu.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainBriefings_sugarAddiction
3. •
   (informal) A fit of trembling or shivering.

   • "I remember having the shakes sometimes and thinking 'why am I doing this?', and then remembering the vision. Very few of us were extroverts and happy to go on stage. — 2022