I think I'd be all out of patience and understanding, too. "Eventually" covers a lot of territory. You could be doing this thirty years from now, same thing, with more gray hair and an ulcer or other stress-related disorders. Your kids could be bitter and regretting their messed-up family with drunk dad and depressed mom.
You aren't shielding your kids from the chaos, whatever you think. Why do you think they were so relieved that something like this happened. How do you think they will feel as things spiral further down?
Sorry to sound so negative, but I don't see too much hopeful about this situation. I'd be thinking about some counseling for the kids, and Al-Anon for you, while you figure out what you are going to do to help yourself and the kids.