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Neal McDonough credits his wife for getting him out of a bad spot when dealing with alcoholism
The actor explained that his wife gave him an ultimatum when it came to his drinking, which got him to stop
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When hiker Joanna Ruth Shields, 37, was found dead near Sykes Hot Springs in California’s Ventana Wilderness, initial speculation pointed to foul play, according to a press release from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office
However, official coroner’s reports revealed her cause of death to be probable alcohol withdrawal seizures brought on by chronic alcohol use disorder
Friends who were hiking with Shields said she had gone to the river that morning. A short time later, one of them found her unresponsive in the water, according to reports
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“This is a probable seizure that occurred as a result of chronic alcohol use disorder, but there was nothing that stood out that indicated any type of criminal activity,” Andres Rosas, commander and the primary public information officer for the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, told KSBW 8
Given the results of the investigation and forensic examination, no further investigation is taking place
The recent death of a Big Sur hiker was ruled a probable case of fatal alcohol withdrawal seizures, exposing a dangerous and often hidden medical crisis.(iStock)
The incident highlights a little-known danger of severe alcohol dependence, as suddenly stopping alcohol can trigger life-threatening neurological events
Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. When someone drinks heavily over a prolonged period, the brain adapts by ramping up chemical signals to keep bodily systems functioning, according to experts
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When alcohol is abruptly stopped, that blocker on the central nervous system is removed. The brain then enters a state of dangerous overexcitation, leading to severe hyperarousal
Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within six to 24 hours after the last drink, with the risk of seizures peaking between 24 and 48 hours
Alcohol withdrawal can quickly progress from tremors, sweating and anxiety to severe seizures and a condition called delirium tremens.(iStock)
In wilderness settings or isolated locations, a sudden seizure can result in immediate loss of consciousness, trauma, respiratory arrest or an inability to seek emergency care, experts note
Clinical guidelines from the National Institutes of Health categorize alcohol withdrawal by the following key progression stages
Stage 1 (6 to 12 hours post-drink)
This may include minor withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, tremors, anxiety, gastrointestinal upset, headache, diaphoresis (excessive sweating), heart palpitations, anorexia, nausea, tachycardia (abnormally fast resting heart rate) and hypertension
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Stage 2 (12 to 24 hours post-drink)
This stage is marked by visual, auditory or tactile hallucinations
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Stage 3 (24 to 72 hours post-drink)
People in this stage may experience sudden loss of consciousness accompanied by severe muscle contractions (seizures). Another potential symptom is delirium tremens, a medical emergency involving extreme agitation, fever, racing heart, hyperthermia and cardiac instability
Attempting to detox without medical supervision can result in sudden loss of consciousness, trauma and death, experts warn.(iStock)
Health agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, strongly advise that individuals with a history of heavy drinking or prior withdrawal episodes never attempt to detox alone or in remote settings
Medical detox programs use tailored medication protocols to safely taper brain activity and prevent seizures
Help is available for people struggling with alcohol use disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline provides free, confidential treatment referrals 24 hours a day at 1-800-662-4357
