system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Why is it so dangerous for chronic alcoholics to go cold turkey?

I know alcohol abuse can cause psychological as well as physical dependence, but what mechanisms in the body change so drastically where people can die from giving it up too quickly?
gpt
Alcohol messes with GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter that itself lowers activity in your brain, which is important. It's like having brakes in your car because even though your car is supposed to go, you have to be able to control it. Seizures are the result of uncontrolled brain activity, when one wave of activity causes another wave which causes another wave... with nothing to stop it. GABA is one of the things that probably stops it. 

Alcohol also interacts with GABA receptors, which is why alcohol calms you down. However, too much alcohol for a long time causes your body to adapt by producing less of its own GABA, and the receptors become less sensitive. That way, your brain can function properly even when mildly poisoned. 

If you suddenly completely stop drinking, your body is still adapted to the constant calming effect of alcohol and isn't producing enough GABA. The result is that your brain doesn't have brakes anymore. That causes seizures and other problems that can lead to death.