You couldn’t make him stop drinking when he was with you anymore than you could when he was on his own.
He was an adult with the right to make his own choices, even if we know they were harmful. We aren’t powerful enough to control others even if we try to do so out of love.
Be kind to yourself. I think you made the right choice—really the only choice— that was healthy for both of you. He chose to quit IOP and return to drinking. He had professional support but he wanted to drink more than stay sober. Neither you or his kids being with him or not would have changed this decision once he had made it.
