No "might" about it - you understand the situation, but seem reluctant to admit it. She seeks oblivion often, probably because she's not good with her self.

Unfortunately, habitual drinking does all kinds of ugly and awful things to humans, both physically and otherwise, especially over the medium to long term. That oblivion has a prohibitive cost that most people do not consider consciously.

Good luck to both of you in dealing with this. You'll need it.

How old is she? You can't help her until she realizes she has a problem. And sometimes it may take years (or never) for her to see that she has a problem.

Your friend most definitely has a problem and it will be the ruin of her if she doesn't get help. When we are friends, the real kind, we value the people we are concerned about enough to have the most difficult of conversations with them, because we care about them and their well-being. It is best to talk to someone when they are sober and using your best non-judgmental and caring attitude explain that you are concerned and worried about her well-being due to her alcohol use. How she responds (most likely defensive and/or denial) is going to be up in the air. But you can just let her know you are there to help and support her if she needs it. Also let her know Alcoholics Anonymous holds meetings and they can be found here: http://www.vancouveraa.ca./find-a-meeting-2. If you are open to this, you could tell her you would go with her if she wanted that support. Perhaps going to counselling would also help, if she is open to that. She is lucky to have a friend who cares about her and her well being. Good luck.

Tell her you care and want to support her before her drinking gets any worse. You can't stand by even if she rejects the premise. Your words have power.

... Just like that. She couldn't "lower her inhibitions", as she put it, without alcohol. Her emotions came out with booze, happy or sad or otherwise. When sober, she was stone cold , bitter, passive aggressive, but never drunk at work. It hurt me to watch it and her inhability to either want my help or respect our friendship ended up costing her loosing me. I dared to confront her and its been two years of silence since. Try your best and be strong, but I'm warning you, God helps those who help themselves. If she doesn't want it, it will be very very hard to to help...