True Blood Star Dies from Alcohol Detox

Detoxing Alone: The Tragic Death of “True Blood” Star Nelsan Ellis

Detoxing from alcohol at home can be tempting to individuals because of its perceived ease and low cost. But the process, if done without professional supervision, can be dangerous and even fatal.

Known for his role as the flamboyant Lafayette Reynolds on HBO’s hit series “True Blood,” actor Nelsan Ellis died suddenly at the age of 39. Ellis struggled with drug and alcohol abuse for many years. Ashamed of his addiction, he passed away while attempting to detox from alcohol on his own.

Approximately 17.6 million people, or one in every 12 adults, suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence, but fewer than 10 percent get treatment at a specialized facility. It’s a shame that the stigma of addiction prevents so many people from embracing hope and getting well.

Because alcohol is legal many people assume alcohol addiction and withdrawal is less serious than other addictions. However, hallucinations, convulsions and cardiac complications are just some of the serious side effects that occur when someone suddenly quits drinking on their own. All of these factors make alcohol the most dangerous substance to attempt to detox from without medical supervision. Ellis’ father said his kidneys failed, he had a blood infection, his blood pressure dropped and “his dear sweet heart raced out of control.”

“Mr. Ellis’ tragic death can hopefully serve as a caution to those who are suffering from alcohol use and other disorders. With proper medical help, the withdrawal can be managed safely, and relatively comfortably. Our advice to anyone who wants to quit, is to call Footprints Beachside Recovery or another treatment center before you do. – John R. Templeton Jr., President, Footprints Beachside Recovery

About Footprints Beachside Recovery

Footprints Beachside Recovery helps you learn how to take control of your life and respond to challenging situations with healthy coping skills while providing a safe environment to recover. Just know, it is possible to attack alcohol addiction head on and live a meaningful life.

As a residential treatment center located on the beautiful Florida Gulf Shores we seek to treat the whole person, not just the addiction, through a comprehensive approach to recovery. Contact us today to speak to an expert or learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment program.

Brittany Forbes

17:28 07 Feb 24

I went to and completed footprints it’s a great program where I learned to thrive in my recovery and built a foundation that I continuously rely on and made friends as well who continue to save me!

Denis Psatha

00:32 07 Feb 24

I never thought getting sober was a option until I went to footprints, it’s a great environment,I felt like I was at home while staying in house because everyone was very friendly,also all the therapists are very good at helping you out with any problems u may have ,they have fun activities every weekend and for the first time I’ve actually made sober friends which is very helpful even after u leave the program there always a call away!!

Marina Scruby

17:28 26 Jan 24

I graduated Footprints Beachside recovery center in Oct 23’ and am going on 9 months clean and sober. This wasn’t my first time being in treatment and i was having a hard time remaining sober for more than 2 months. If it wasn’t for this treatment center, the staff, and therapist, doesn’t matter… i wouldn’t be living the sober life i am today. Walking into Footprints was the best decision i have ever made for myself, from bowling to kayaking and going to the movies or outside AA meetings you don’t really feel like you’re in a treatment center but you also get the knowledge and tools that u need to stay sober.. the support the staff offers for the clients on a day to day basis was so helpful during my time there!!! I am forever grateful for my time at Footprints! i would suggest this place to anyone who struggles with addiction/alcoholism and is wanting to get better. Coming from Georgia was nerve wrecking but it was for the best choice for my own recovery. The foundation, sober connections and tools this rehab gave me to start my recovery journey is not something you’ll get somewhere else (in my experience)!

Just Me

22:27 12 Dec 23

I went to Footprints for 120 days and it more then likely saved my life. The therapists are great and really care about the patients. There is a lot of freedom while in treatment but it is earned. All the staff are good people and really care and help. This was the place that finally got me over my hump. Thanks Footprints for all the help and support I have received.Glenn

Mahmoud Mokhtar

18:20 29 Oct 23

Kelly was so helpful and the staff made the process easy when helping my family member. Thank you Kelly and Footprints.

Francis Weber

01:55 25 Sep 23

Footprints Beach Side Recovery goes far and above all rehabilitation centers. From Leaders to Therapists to Technicians, everyone is focused on recovery, tools, methodologies, support and genuine, loving care for it's clients.Footprints invests in the classiest, devoted and certified therapists and they are always available.Rehabilitation activities centered around sport, adventures, special guests, art and education add flavor and fun to a strong curriculum.I would vouch 100% for Footprints and recommend, without hesitation to anyone in search of care - 1 day at a time.

Riley White

14:27 22 Sep 23

footprints is like the disney world of rehabs. the clinical team truly cares about you & personalizes the course of treatment to every individual’s specific needs. i can honestly say i would not be alive today if it weren’t for this program, they gave me hope when i was hopeless & loved me when i couldn’t love myself. it’s more than just a paycheck for these people, they truly care about the clients & help cater to them in whatever way possible. 10/10 would recommend

Edward Rios

15:59 14 Apr 23

Great place for recovery. Great staff and management. Provides all the needed stepping stones to recover, from inpatient to outpatient to sober living. The sober living executive manger Paul Romero is very professional and dose a great job running the house.The president John Templeton makes sure everybody gets the individual attention they deserves. You can tell he has a passion for helping peopleThey changed my life for the better and gave me another shot at life.