I've just come out of a relationship with someone who was abusing alcohol. I was so happy and in love with him, but as soon as he left it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, the house felt peaceful, and suddenly I had more energy and time for the kids & think I am a better mother now.
Re alcoholics trying to buy forgiveness- haha I wish!! ;-) Mine was so rubbish I had to actually explain and instruct him on when flowers might be a useful gesture :S
Now I just have to put up with him from a distance, feeling sorry for himself and trying to guilt trip me into having him back. Not a chance!
I also thought I was really happy "except for the alcohol"...I can now see it was a toxic, borderline abusive relationship. I too feel like I can think clearly when I don't hear from him for a couple of days. I know how it feels :-/