It sounds like he was drinking, but who knows. The main thing here is, he's treated your horribly. If you think about that, why would you even want him in your life? Messages you (doesn't even call) and tells you all this lovely stuff then doesn't contact you again? What kind of person does that?
There is no excuse for that, not being an alcoholic, not being in "recovery" (I would seriously question that) - none. It hurts I'm sure, A LOT and it would be all too easy to fall back in to that again, just to help with the pain if nothing else.
Why would you settle for him? It won't always hurt like this, there are brighter days ahead, just need to work through. You can do it.