The Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal

Nelson Ellis, known from the television show True Blood, has unfortunately passed away recently. It was unknown at the time of what the cause of death was. Shortly afterward, it was revealed that he had passed due to heart complications that were brought about by alcohol withdrawal due to his alcohol addiction.

Ellis’ family stated that he had attempted to withdraw from alcohol on his own, having suffered from alcohol and drug addiction for years. He has gone through many different stints of rehab, and this time, he was attempting to do it on his own, which is unfortunate, as quitting alcohol cold-turkey is one of the most dangerous things that you can do.

Many addiction specialists agree that withdrawal from alcohol is one of the most dangerous things that you can do, with many stating that it can be potentially life-threatening. Many people who attempt to detox from alcohol by themselves are susceptible to constant pain and serious health complications.

Withdrawal complications can include seizures, delirium, anxiety, shakiness, high blood pressure, swollen liver, vomiting, dehydration and hallucinations, amongst other things. A hangover is a form of alcohol withdrawal, with many people experiencing some of the other symptoms of a withdrawal. In a sense, it wouldn’t be too far to describe that alcohol withdrawal is a dangerous hangover.

The reason such intense symptoms occur is because the body changes its chemistry in order to adapt to the constant influx of alcohol that the body is bombarded with. The symptoms can also begin to manifest as soon as two hours after the last drink has been had.

Ellis had been in the hospital for four days, having suffered from a litany of catastrophic conditions, according to his manager. He was suffering from a blood infection, his kidneys had shut down, with his liver swelling up and his blood pressure had plummeted. His heart could not keep up with the intense side effects of the withdrawal, and it ended up failing.

Alcohol withdrawal is intense, and this is the reason why many do not wish to undergo detox, due to the dangers associated with it. But it doesn’t have to be dangerous, as anyone who undergoes detox in a professional and medical facility will have access to licensed professionals will be able to monitor all of your vitals and provide medications that are necessary to ease the symptoms. This is the safer alternative than doing it on your own or cold turkey.

Alcohol addiction is a fundamental problem, and one that can be life threatening. It is sad to hear that another soul has been lost due to this disease, but help is always possible. Ellis was ashamed of his addiction, according to his family, and he had always refused to talk about it. Addiction is a cruel disease that likes to make you feel as though you are alone and unable to reach out to anyone for help.

Attending a rehabilitation center can help you, and, although it may seem hard, it can work. Nelson Ellis is another unfortunate victim of addiction, having suffered from it for years of his life. Although there isn’t anything we can do for him now, his story can be used as a way to inspire others to seek help.