I too just recently reconnected with an old friend of 40 + years that is 13 years in recovery. He now lives in another state and we email every now and then. He too has given me a lot of insight on this disease, and given me the same advise as your friend.
He and his wife divorced because of the disease, and he is now into this whole new age religion that I just can't wrap my brain around, but that is his choice not mine. I do enjoy talking to him, but I'm not sure that he hasn't become addicted to AA. I mean yes he has become sober and AA will always be apart of his program to stay sober, but does it have to be your whole life? This is all he talks about, helping other drunks, going to meeting almost every day, talking with his sponsor daily. Is this how it works when they get sober?
It doesn't give me any hope that IF AH does ever get sober will there be room in his life for ME?
Would love to hear from others that have are going through recovery.