In July 2000, I lost my best friend. After his passing, I drank heavily to numb my emotions. It took around 6 months until I started to feel better, to accept the loss.
In February 2007, I lost my father. I did not drink but instead focused on helping & leaning on other family members. I broke down often but the clouds started lifting after 10 days.
We all grieve in our own way but we do reach that day when we accept our loss & can then move on, grateful for the privilege of having good people in our lives even if they must leave us. Lot's of good memories!
So sorry for your loss.