The kindling effect is nasty. I relapsed a little while ago, quit cold turkey, and experienced delirium tremens. I had the most bizarre hallucinations for a few days which culminated in me landing in the ER. The doctors said the hallucinations were benign, but the seizures could be dangerous. I could have avoided the whole thing if I (obviously hadn't relapsed) tapered off.
Have you ever thought your friend turned into a lamp? Oh the humanity...