There used to be an adage that giving a drunk coffee didn't sober him or her up. You just end up with a wide-awake drunk. The same goes with simply deciding to stop picking up the bottle.
My ex from my somewhat mis-spent youth was marvelous for the first few months - then started cheating and being inconsiderate. He then went on to treat a series of women the same way (according to one of his friends). He died alone a little over a year ago. No fraternal organizations, no hobbies, no children, no longterm companion.