I would get on my knees, raise my hands and say "Thank you God I'm almost done with this loser!"
That is exactly how I felt. I was so happy his focus was removed from me. However:
Years later, at different times, BOTH these guys begged me to come back. Repeatedly. The women they dumped me for were long gone.
Yup. It only took a 3-4 years for XAH to go through a couple of GFs, go way downhill with his disease, then still try to insinuate himself back into my life. The longer you have shown yourself willing to put up with an alcoholic's behavior (in my case, 20 years), the harder it is to be rid of him for good.
This week I have a hearing on a PO to stop him harassing me.