Hello, I read your story with great attention as excessive alcohol intake is a probelm we frequently see in our work. Regarding your question, my answer is: it could be. Briefly, alcohol intake depresses the brain and so it counteracts this situation by increasing the production of stimulating substances that might increase blood pressure, heart rate etc.. When stopping suddenly the use of alcohol, after a long time using it, the brain is not ready to adapt so quickly to the removing of the depressor (alcohol in this case) and remains in a hyperstimulated state because of the excessive production of stimulating chemicals in place. This situation causes withdrawal symptoms, including occassionally stroke. The question is: can stroke 6 months after stopping alcohol be attributed to this stopping? It could be! The changes in the cardiovascular system after stopping chronic use of alcohol might enhance a problem already existing (because of stimulating substances the brain produces to counteract alcohol intake) which than appears when the time is right because of a combination of factors and circumstances! Therefore, although alcohol stop can not be blamed directly for the massive stroke your relative experienced, it certainly played a facilitating role to this event! The solution ia not to start alcohol again but to reduce risky behaviors and monitor carefully the blood pressure and other risk factors of stroke. Please stay in close contact with your physician for appropriate advice on how to proceed! I wish your relative a quick recovery!