She definitely needs treatment. Yellowing of the skin and eyes is a sign of jaundice, indicating that her liver is not functioning correctly. Chronic alcoholism carries risks of permanent liver disease, hepatitis, scarring (cirrhosis), and alcohol-related liver disease can easily progress over time to the point of being fatal. Leg swelling is also a possible sign of cirrhosis or liver disease. Cancer (particularly of the mouth, throat and stomach) and pancreatitis are also alcohol-related disease that are potentially fatal.
IIn many cases, it's difficult to convince an alcoholic into treatment she doesn't want, and the suggestion of needing help or treatment may offend them, regardless of the goodness of your intentions. This is especially true when they consistently deny that they even have a problem at all. It may be beneficial for you to review some resources online for friends of alcoholics. The following website is a good start: http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/info2/a/blfam.htm
I hope this helps, and good luck.
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