Glad you got some help Eric, but keep in mind that by drinking again you basically just reset then withdrawal clock until you stop again. Tapering is sometimes recommended by doctors in the UK, but then practice rarely works. The problem is that even if you somehow manage to taper down ( which is essentially controlling your drinking....nearly impossible for a true alcoholic ) you still have to quit at some point...and withdrawals can still be just as severe. I'd also check with your normal doc on whatever drugs your FIL gave you in combination with alcohol. Just be safe...as you experienced the withdrawal can become severe quickly