I commented on your other thread as well. Towards the end of my madness, I would get lucky and be able to drink pretty hard, but made sure to eat and drink water or gatorade before bed and get away with it most of the time. But for whatever reason, sometimes I didn't get away with it, and paid dearly. I think the worst I suffered would medically be considered moderate withdrawal, but it was bad enough for me to make me want to not go through it again. Mild shakes, mild sweats, insomnia, no appetite etc...I can't imagine severe withdrawal, I can completely understand why it can be fatal. So if you were able to quit cold turkey without much sickness, consider it a blessing. Good job on your decision. Next step in the process....make it stick.