He could be a perfectly good physician at work even if he drinks way too much when he's not. But how much better would he be if he weren't hungover and feeling miserable from drinking a bottle of whiskey the night before?
He is respected in the community and keeps up to date with the latest treatments and developments. No one wants to take that away from him. Remember, alcoholism is a progressive disease. It would be wonderful if he could get recovered before he loses his well earned reputation and effectiveness.
Have you asked him why he takes diazepam before he goes to work? Does he self prescribe it? There is no way to know why... we can only guess... If he drinks a bottle of whiskey (is this a 750 ml bottle?) the night before, it is possible that he is taking it to calm his nerves because of withdrawal from alcohol. But there could be other reasons, we don't know.
Sara... Do you want him to get some help? As Carol said above, medical professionals are often the hardest people to convince to do so. They are strong willed, knowledgeable, fiercely independent and masters at self-justification.
I've asked you twice... Do you know any colleagues at the hospital where he works that you trust and can confide in? I don't know what physician recovery programs are available in Italy, how they work, etc... But another physician in Italy just might, or would know how to find out. A colleague may be able to find him some help, protect his patients and his reputation, without your husband ever knowing you were involved.
You could also go scorched earth, and if you are afraid he might hurt someone, maybe you should, if you don't have anyone else to help... Call the Board of Medicine, call the President of the Medical Society, call the Chief of Staff at the hospital... one of those actions may help get him into recovery.
Please sara, if you want our help, if you really want to make a difference... start thinking differently... You cannot do anything by yourself...
Is there anyone you can ask for help, whom you trust, to help navigate the necessary channels with only your husband's and his patients best interest at heart?
Mark