You don't give him space... You give yourself space.
Look over your own life and see what you can do for "you"
He will do what he will do no matter how much you nag or don't nag.
As for the nagging... share once to let him know your wishes. Share a second time because we both know that guys don't hear things the first time (drinking or not)
As you share...use soft tones because soft requires effort to hear and the focus of listening to soft will have us listen and hear more.
Sharing beyond a 3rd time starts to become nagging and a repeat of wasted effort on your part... he will do what he will do.
The more he works the program, the more he should learn about his own actions and his actions will settle your thoughts and feelings over time. If he doesn't work his program... boundaries help you control...your space.