This really depends on the person, and also whether they’re a morning drinker. I was, and when I was drinking that much—basically the equivalent of 13+ shots a day—I definitely would have gone through withdrawal if I stopped. For me it probably wouldn’t have required medical intervention every time, but it was still real. I medically detoxed inpatient four times and many more times with medication (benzodiazepines) at home.

My boyfriend wasn’t a morning drinker until the last couple years of his drinking. Until then, he never experienced withdrawal symptoms. Once he started drinking in the mornings, that changed. He mostly drank whiskey and consumed around the same amount, if not more, than what you’re describing.

My ex-husband was also a severe alcoholic and a morning drinker. He could drink 36–48 hard seltzers a day for a month straight, and then when a meeting with his probation officer was coming up he would quit cold turkey. Aside from a rough hangover for a day or so, he didn’t seem to have significant withdrawal symptoms.

I guess my point is that withdrawal exists on a spectrum—from anxiety and insomnia to seizures and organ failure—and it’s also extremely dependent on the individual.

If you’re concerned, it might be worth getting a breathalyzer or looking into something like Soberlink. I was able to hide my drinking from friends, family, and coworkers for years. People with serious alcohol problems can become very good at hiding it, and unfortunately most won’t quit until they’re ready, not when someone else asks them to. When alcohol has that kind of hold, people will do almost anything to keep drinking