Welcome Sarartist!
Yes, I've lost a cousin to a drunk driving accident and though my issue wasn't DUI it took a legal matter to get me to go to AA. They told me in AA that things only got worse if I continued to drink and I can look back and see just how true that statement really is! I tried for years on my on to stop binge drinking, but never could get more then a few weeks.
They also told me that most people have to hit rock bottom, which varies for everyone, and it definitely took me hitting mine before I was ready to accept and admit that I am powerless over alcohol. Then they told me the good news: I didn't EVER have to feel that way again, and they were right!
Praying for you and your friend!