Ach…..to me, I don't think it would be cruel to leave an unhappy marriage …..from a man who could actually SAY the words----"You could get shot walking the dogs".
52 is still young. People are living until 100 or more, these days....Do you want 30-40-50 more years of this? How will you enjoy being the daily caregiver to a person whose health is broken down from the alcoholism.
It is not cruel or selfish to think of your ow self, in my opinion....
Maybe, you are encased in the FOG
F-fear
O-obligation
G-guilt