Going cold turkey - the odds

[DoingItForTheKid]

DH is going cold turkey after drinking at least 2.5 bottles of wine every other night for years.

It's his response to me saying the marriage is over because of his drinking.

What are the odds that he will relapse?

Impossible to predict.
Relative was told if he had another drink he would die. Gave up there and then. I’m not sure a Dr actually said those words but, however he worded it, it worked.
Will your DH seek support from the GP or any alcohol support services?

No, he won't go to therapy or GP.

I've made appointments but he has cancelled them.

Isn't it quite dangerous to go cold turkey with alcohol addiction?

I'm not sure, I think I read somewhere you can die of alcohol withdrawal.

Something you might want to look into.

It's not the odds of relapse that should be the worry, it's the odds of him having seizures due to alcohol withdrawal

Yes, I have informed him of the risks but he says he won't have the shakes.

Seizure/epileptic fits are not the DTs.

He's not going to stop. The conventional wisdom would be to leave the marriage and review it when he's been sober for a year.

You have your exit plan in place, yes?
Very difficult time for you, please remember:

You didn't cause it.
You can't control it
You can't cure him.

Gentle hand pat from me.

He really must not do this, it is so dangerous.
A relative of mine collapsed and was having seizures so had to be put into an induced coma and intubated.
Get him to read up on Alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If he stops keep a close eye on him around day 3

Four years on from giving the same ultimatum. DH has not touched a drop since.
He’s the happiest and healthiest he’s ever been. And the change in our marriage is immeasurable.

I hope your DH can stick to it.

@RaeraI thank you. I think we're on day 4. I don't think he's done 8 days sober in decades though. Perhaps he'll have a delayed reaction for some reason. He's big.

@Shouldbedoing what are DT's?

DTs are delirium tremens and they are what people joke about when going sober and they liken them to just having shaky hands. But it is much more serious than that hence the need for proper monitoring of someone who has drunk large amounts for a long time and wants to stop.
I hope he manages but I really would recommend some proper advice/therapy

I agree with what others have said about the dangers of withdrawal. I used to work for alcohol community services and the nurses always recommend keeping a drink diary and gradually cutting down by a small amount each day. Don't surprised if he fails going cold turkey and so encourage him to seek advice from the GP. If he really wants to save your marriage he will see he needs proper help and to commit to work with services long term to conquer this.