Hi 1234 and welcome.
I'm sorry that you're hurting right now - but I think that a break from your husband is a good thing. You write that when he drinks he gets mean and verbally abusive - yet he's worried that people now "think he is a mean drunkard." He is, by definition, a mean drunkard. Abuse is never okay - drunk or sober - and what he's doing is punishing you for his shortcomings. It's okay for him to abuse scare you - not okay for you to tell a friend about it and seek support? That isn't fair - and it's how the cycle of abuse feeds itself.
I'm certain that he'll be back - as long as you promise to keep taking the abuse and you commit to never telling anyone about it or seeking help for yourself. If you can get past the initial shock of his leaving and find a safe, peaceful place of perspective for yourself - you can decide whether that's what -you- want for yourself. His leaving right now is a gift.
Hugs,
SL.