He was offered a full time promotion instead as manager with truly awful hours (12 hours, 6 days a week with only 1 hour break). It was way too much and being tired, stressed and anxious about failing, he started drinking in the last few days. He's drinking much less than his last relapse and he's drinking beer not vodka, which is a first and although not OK, less dangerous and easier to withdraw from.
hmm, what I notice in the above is how much slack you are willing to cut him. after being offered a FULL TIME PROMOTION, hours aside, he says it's just too much and fearing FAILURE he does what??? DRINKS AGAIN. well that's a sure way to FAIL. and then........QUITS.
and you are able to minimize his drinking because it's just BEER.
you also feel that you might just be the only person who CARES and he needs you. in so many words.
so far, you being there and offering support hasn't been the key. he holds that key. and as it is he made giants steps backwards. he didn't HAVE to drink again. he could have sucked it up and worked those hours and and maintained gainful employment and stayed sober. as it is NOW, he's drinking and out of a job.
the reason why you are running out of helpful supporting little messages, is that they ain't working! try to be less of a sober coach. let him figure this out.....if he is going to. i'm glad you have a boundary about staying apart....