Yes! I am 6+ years out. I finally moved 8+ hours away & stayed there for years & never speak to those ppl. Never will again either. I do know the reality. Its a very DRASTIC and expensive measure for some, however. Solemn is a very good description of the process, pain would be too lol I wont even entertain the idea I could sit on a mountain of it and be unphased, that is very dangerous thinking, for me anyway, probably for most.
I choose not to go to parties or bars, which means my circle of friends is almost nil 6+ years out. I cannot imagine not socializing more in my 20's. So IMOO, Paighton did have a long road ahead but it does sound like she was on her way to being clean, if she wasn't already. I believe she wanted that anyway. In my experience, relapse was part of getting to the "sober forever" part but moving away for a long time & ending all contact w/ those ppl was paramount. You are correct there.
If relapse and OD happend in this case I want to know it was not used as a weapon against Paighton or in defense of their actions whoever they are.
Also, Paughton was so much more than this. I think that is important for ppl to understand. Not that I knew her but I do. She is all of us. And she was dearly loved.