Personally, I would do what you are doing -- educate yourself about the disease so you can then make an informed decision as to whether you want to be involved with a recovering alcoholic or not. Is he in any type of program or getting any type of support? From what I have read here and what I personally know, many alcoholics who do not "work on" their recoveries end up "dry drunks".....they quit using and drinking but don't deal with the issues that caused those behaviours. Or they end up relapsing eventually. Everyone is different however. I would try to be aware of "red flags". I think captain's suggestion of attending an open AA meeting or alanon is a great one as well.
It is a different world, being around alcoholics and addicts. I must say that it is a world that I no longer want to be in.
I wish him continued success in his recovery and hope that you always remember to take care of yourself.