Yes, it can kill you
I went to an AA meeting last week, and my home group was told that a member had died. He relapsed, and called his sponsor. His sponsor told him to pour everything down the drain, and just not pick up.
He did that, and died from what they believe was a stroke during withdrawal. He didn't have the means or help to get to detox. His sponsor was out of state.
Friends, I understand and support when we tell people, "Just stop. Dump it out." But it comes with risks, and we need to be aware of that. I don't know the right answer or right approach, and I am sure someone can offer something here.
I guess my point is that we need to be careful with this advice given certain circumstances.