Robster, I was just going to suggest you read the book "Why Does He DO That? and you have ordered it! YAY! The author, Lundy Bancroft has so much experience with abusive men. He has been counseling abusive men for years and is an advocate of ALL kinds of abuse directed towards women. He counsels men who use substances and men who do not. As Eight Ball said, they are not connected according to Bancroft. Recovery can deal with the alcohol but if he is abusive at his core, it will not cure that. Bancroft says that while alcohol will reduce inhibitions it does not create abusive men. Enjoy the read, it answered so many questions for me. Take Care