Rapid alcohol detox - consequences of too fast?

[Tucobear]

My partner has a history of heavy drinking (many years) but for the last twelve months ( since his cancer diagnosis and surgery) he has been drinking 1l of vodka every 24hrs. He has been looking slightly jaundiced, is weak/fatigued, naps 3/4 times a day and has orange, strong smelling wee. On weds he announced he was stopping. Today ( Sunday) he has had no alcohol. He has stopped very quickly. I mentioned the dangers but he just wanted to stop. He has limited outward signs - he is slightly shaky but he is eating more, no daytime naps and he even came on a short walk yesterday and today. Has he been incredibly lucky or could there still be detox symptoms heading his way? He is of course, incredibly grumpy!

[AyrshireK]

It is very early days but this kind of detox is extremely dangerous with potential for seizures, Delirium Tremens and Post-Acute-Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) just some of the risk factors.

Sudden cessation from such a heavy intake is not recommended at all and a medically supported programme of detox would be much safer.

He absolutely must see a doctor and get advice about safer cessation methods or indeed there could be serious issues to come in coming days, weeks, months.

Katie

[Tucobear in reply to AyrshireK]

He stopped all alcohol on Sunday. A day of diarrhoea on Monday and now no outward symptoms. I’m at a loss as to how he’s done this so quickly and seemingly so easily.