Alcohol was once used as anesthesia for surgery.....
Drinking regularly makes the body expect and even demand it's presence, when we stop it abruptly, we put the body in shock.
Medically supervised detoxing is important and meds are given so the body doesn't go into shock (high blood pressure, seizures, as mentioned).
Be safe. Talk with a doctor and ask questions. Bring a pad and pen with the questions and write the answers, call the doctor back if things aren't clear.