Hard to say where life will lead my friend. She's been in heavy denial since we were teenagers and we are 40 now. I love her but I can't make that decision for her. If she can moderate successfully and be happy, I will support her.
As for the hearing, my old self would have gone to a liquor store before and downed 10-15 oz of vodka before appearing. Vodka of course so my attorney would not smell it on me and I could go back to work after without smelling like booze. I will not miss that behavior.