Hi Carla and welcome. I think if you read more here you'll see that there's a lot of us here with a story similar to yours. The best post I read (and I forgot who posted it) was:
I've never met an alcoholic that wasn't high functioning and
I never met a non-alcoholic that drank every night.
I stared at that post for a long time.
I was a nightly drinker for 6-7 years. Started in my 40s. 4 wonderful kids, married, great career and I will never be able to drink "normally". Came to that revaltion With the help of this forum. Actually it's a relief that I now know what I have to do.
I hope (sincerely hope) that you don't drink tonight, or tomorrow or the next day. Maybe set a timeframe. Like 30 days to give your mind some time to be clear to think about your drinking and what it offers you. For me it was getting to be much more trouble than it was worth.
I also hope your friend gets help. Her story also sounds so sad.
Come join the November 2011 class. There's plenty of room!
Terri