Yes it is sad.
I had mine in detox in my care one weekend with very visable affects, he kept sober for about 3 weeks.
That was the best I got.
I've had him hand his vodka bottles over to me (because he wanted to)
He's tipped the vodka down the drain.
He's cried over his drinking.
He's skipped work because of his drinking.
He did a big physical injury because of his drinking.
The drinking got worse.
The broken promises got worse.
I've recently left him. It's real hard but I can't do it for him.
Working on letting go now.