Dear luv2luvSum1, what a dilemma! I have been sober now for 4 years, and of course, I'm going to say I'll never drink again, but in this life you never say never.
That old "one day at a time" is so true, not just for recovering Alcoholics. Here are some important points to look out for:
- To be truly sober means NO substance crutches;
- The recovering person has to take strength from an outside source;
- A newly sober person requires to avoid old associations with drinking;
- This means relinquishing old friends and forming a new support circle;
- Once sober the recovering person has to face up to harm they have done;
- Sobriety reveals the underlying problems inferiorities and vulnerabilities that drinking masked. These have to be worked through and resolved.
Not exhaustive, but a start. Be prepared to help your friend through these and other dark times.
If your friend has really owned up to the problem and can make a serious contract with you (and more importantly with themself) to stay sober then there is hope.
I think it will work wonders if you are without any substance crutches (drink, drugs, tobacco etc) so you can provide a temptation free environment and mentor.
If all goes well with you and your friend you will gain loads from helping others in similar situation in the future when you are both strong in your friend's sobriety.