While the world waits for final toxicology results from Amy Winehouse's death, rumors swirl about what killed the famous singer. Sources close to her family now say it wasn't drugs or alcohol that killed the 27-year-old, but, ironically, withdrawal from alcohol. "The singer's decision to lay off alcohol completely for three weeks was a lethal 'shock' for her tiny body," says Lia Nicholls in the Sun. Could that really be what caused Winehouse's death? Here, a brief guide:
Is alcohol withdrawal a real condition?
Yes, though it's not often seen, even among lifelong alcoholics. Severe alcohol withdrawal is considered "rare, since so few alcoholics ever experience withdrawal," says Maia Szalavitz in TIME. "They either do not succeed, or even attempt, quitting alcohol cold turkey."
What does alcohol withdrawal look like?
Symptoms vary from person to person, but it can be a serious condition. People who drink heavily and quit suddenly, says Dr. Sam Zakhari, as quoted in The Boston Globe, may experience "symptoms ranging from anxiety to tremors to full-blown seizures and delusions." In severe cases, alcohol withdrawal can result in delirium tremens.
What is delirium tremens?
"The D.T.s," as the condition is sometimes called, usually show up three to five days after a person quits alcohol cold turkey. Delirium tremens is characterized "by severe agitation, major confusion, hallucinations, and a high fever, and it can lead seizures, stroke, or heart attacks," says Kate Torgovnick at The Frisky. The condition requires immediate medical attention.
Can you die from alcohol withdrawal?
It's certainly possible, though again, it happens rarely. Proper treatment of alcoholism usually consists of replacing the alcohol with benzodiazepine drugs, which calm the brain by acting on its neurotransmitters. These drugs are then slowly tapered off. This kind of treatment prevents the shock that can lead to seizures. According to some reports, Winehouse "died after ignoring her doctor's advice to cut down on her heavy drinking gradually."
Sources: Boston Globe, Frisky, Sun, TIME
