Originally Posted by
liesagain 
....but with alcohol and opiates people can and do die trying to get off the drug if not done safely under a doctors care)
Yes a severe alcoholic can die from alcohol withdrawal unless medically supervised. Brain damage and seizures are always a risk.
I am not aware of anyone dying from an abrupt opiate withdrawal, although I am sure that this has occured if there are other medical issues going on. This is not to say that the addict does not feel like he/she is dying. Medical oversight can make withdrawal more comfortable.
Benzo withdrawal is another that is best done with some medical oversight due to complications.