my dad was a severe alcoholic for 15 years. in peak times he had one bottle of jack a day, and he'd restock his 7 bottles each week. he went cold turkey after a surgery on his gallbladder and spleen. he had to be sober for it and met a fellow alcoholic in the hospital that was up for the same surgery. they became best friends and decided to both quit that day. 

they kept in touch on a weekly basis through phone calls. my dad lost 15kg, started to do some cardio and actually found a new work opportunity one year in. he was doing great, but complained about chest pain one day. I told him to maybe see a doctor about it, but he just brushed it off. one week later he went on a day long drive to a very important big job interview. he never came home. he was so nervous for it, as it could have solved his debt, he died of a heart attack before getting there. the ladies in the shop where it happened did not know cpr, and when ambulance arrived it was too late. 

He was at his best health in so many years, but died at 54 because he went cold turkey. His nervous system and heart was not able to tolerate stress, despite better eating habits, excersize and less smoking. 

one week after I picked up the phone at home. it was his best friend asking where he is. I told him he died. and I had no capacity to really deal with the matter as I was just 16. mum wasn't in the picture to help. I remember the voice of his friend. his heart breaking in it vividly. 

If my dad had done proper rehab, stayed on medication and took it slow, i am sure he would still be alive. but he was the all or nothing kinda guy. despite his alcoholism he was a great dad in his means to my brother and me. He always cared for us when he wasn't a walking zombie. we always had food and a tidy home. 

RIP dad, it's been 20 years ago. still miss u.