It is progressive. I promise those little ears that you think don't know anything is going on late at night will know eventually if they don't already. It will change your entire perspective.
My husband usto have what I call drunken amnesia. It made me livid mad because he would be a raving nut, wake up and not remember and pretend things should be all happy. In the mean time...I was pissed and he was wondering why. It was an evil cycle.
Until she realizes she has a problem it will not have any chance of changing. You cannot force it upon her.
I sugges meetings and therapy for YOU to decide what boundaries you can set for yourself and your children.
Also...the liklihood she told the doctor the truth about the extent of her drinking is next to nill. If it is causing you enough trouble in your life to seek help and be on here posting about it...it is a problem.
Good Luck and God Bless!