Thanks freedom for your kind response.
I can only tell you my theory as to how he can drink with Chronic pancreatitis - he has been sober for 10 years. Relapsing for maybe 5 months at least 3. During one of his hospitalizations for a flare up (long before he was drinking again this was thanks to a plate of fried fish) he and a pancreas specialist were talking about his history. AH mentioned that after being diagnosed with acute pancreatitis (prob 15 years ago) that he woke everyday with pain and the only thing that stopped it was drinking. The specialist said this is a common phenomenon with pancreatitis and they don't know why - because it is the worst thing you can do if you have it. Seems it would be the opposite.
I have noticed when AH is drinking now he doesn't complain of stomach pain. The past two or 3 days he has not been drinking and he is in pain its not withdrawal its intense sharp, stabbing pain in his side.. Most unfortunate.
Sorry to hear of your chronic pain - I don't have it but live with it - so I feel ya.