I stayed because of all the reasons listed here. I stayed because I loved him from the first time I saw him. I stayed because I knew the loving, considerate, supportive man who was my best friend before I knew the addict. I stayed because I believe in my marriage vows "for better or worse in sickness and in health". I stayed because of hope. I kept hoping the man who was my best friend would come back. In the end my staying didn't make any difference. When things reached the point of being dangerous for my kids and myself and I had to tell him to leave until he got some help. He left and decided another woman who supported his addiction was more important than his family. My staying made no difference at all.
But silly me I have still not lost the Hope.