Well, if it's any help to you, E, there's still hope for your ex. Hell, I was just as dedicated to drinking to cope with life as he was. I hit my point of pain, eventually had my moment of clarity, and life is good, today. Life works out as it does. You don't know where his path will lead (nor yours, for that matter). And for all you know, someday he might be telling his story at a meeting and speak of you fondly. For stepping away and not allowing him to drag you down with him, for allowing him to find his own way without further damage. You might never hear about it, but I've witnessed it in meetings.