Exactly - and I'm an alcoholic. I'd be willing to bet that he's not doing well. Didn't he always play that card in the past? I'm guessing he is really good at deception and denial, the alcoholic's stock in trade.
I hope you leave it alone for a while, at least until you've gained some footing. He may be trying to suck you back in, especially if you have helped him in the past.
If you want to see how recovered an alcoholic is, tell him "No." My guess is he will soon go on the attack.