People can be severely addicted to alcohol to the point of physical dependence. https://www.medscape.com/answers/819502-79121/what-is-the-mortality-and-morbidi

People can be severely addicted to alcohol to the point of physical dependence. https://www.medscape.com/answers/819502-79121/what-is-the-mortality-and-morbidity-of-alcohol-withdrawal-syndrome https://www.medscape.com/answers/819502-79121/what-is-the-mo... "The mortality rate from severe alcohol withdrawal and delirium tremens (DT) historically has been as high as 20% if untreated. Early recognition and improved treatment has reduced the mortality rate from DT to approximately 1-5%" So this means people either die or go to emergency care with severe symptoms that require hospitalization, which obviously is to be avoided at a time like this.