(((HUGS)))
I would say when his mood changed, that's when the alcohol started again, as others have posted. Alcohol changes a person, and he is not the same person he was when he was sober.
I know in my case, it still sends me reeling when I hear my ABF's name mentioned. I find myself wondering if he's okay, what he's up to, whether he's still mad at me, etc, etc. It's best to keep to no contact, it's there not only to protect us from the A's behavior, but also from
our emotions attached to the A.
As for everyone else in town thinking he's wonderful, you may want to weigh in on this thread, you're not alone:
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...wonderful.html