Hi there!
I'm new here too. I was just hit a few days ago with the fact my hubby of 20 years is an alcoholic. He's been very open about it since forcing him to talk about it. I'm currently on a trip with my children, minus their father, for a few days to let him think/pray/read & make a "life plan" for himself to follow. I'm praying he is for real. On the way to our destination, I opened up to my children, the youngest being 14, about their fathers condition. Like you, my hubby is a happy-go-lucky drunk who's never angry or violent --he's a good time charley that my children adore. All I can tell you is that it wasn't a surprise to them when I shared the news. Maybe honesty with our children realy is the best policy.