This is a very tragic story that should've never happened. Personally, I would never recommend someone detoxing on their own.
With each relapse, w/d's tend to be worse. I medically detoxed this last time around (#3 detox) and I went through hell. The third day, my limbs were shaking uncontrollably, BP skyrocketed to high levels and I was pumped up with Serax. The first detox I did in 15 years ago was an absolute piece of cake to my last detox.
I echo Purplenight - alcohol is no joke!!