I just wanted to add that I have massive amounts of respect for you.
You suffered such a loss AND you managed to stop a potential binge in its track.
You did good.
I'm not sure I could do so good.
I hope your proud of yourself.
I also think that your friend is a friend indeed. It might have been easy for him to drink with you or encourage you that a few drinks were okay, but he kept you going, he was for there for you.
I hope he stays in your life, I wish I had a friend like that.
xxxx