He has gotten sober before, and stayed sober. I don't want to give him any excuses (am I?).... but 43, hip replacement surgery, probably from alcoholism and he knows that, on blood pressure meds, anti-depressant and now pain meds, heart issues canceling surgery until they find out why and his birthday is today.... and I'm sure that is weighing heavily. I see lots of stress in what's ahead. I probably should have taken him to the doctor so he couldn't stop to buy it?