It's his coping mechanism. Not a healthy choice, yet a very typical one as his anxiety mounts. There will always be something else that'll cause stress, but this may be more of a bump in the road than a huge set back. He's likely beating himself up over his drinking more than anyone else could.
It's his fight. Prayers go with him, with you, with your family.
How are you doing? Breath deeply. Enjoy this time with your mil beyond his circus, if that's possible.
