Dating an alcoholic (32)

I dated one long ago. Merlin. Super nice guy. Married and divorced twice. Worked steady. I never thought about it until someone asked me once if I ever saw Merlin drunk. And I said actually, I don't think I ever saw him sober! He said his life was hopeless. My husband and I ran into him in a bar a couple years later. Husband said he was welcome to visit, just cause I got married, no reason to stop being buddies. He said no car..riding a bicycle. Living with his parents again. Who were both alcoholics. Guess it got so he couldn't work anymore.
One day in town ran into an old acquaintance. He said if I knew Merlin had died. Came home and told husband. He said you know how..go to courthouse and check death certificates. Sure enough..dead at 45 of heart attack. Poor guy.
Neighbor friend is ex alci...sober for 40 years or more. He said one is NEVER over it. Always must stay on guard.
Life with one is no bed of roses..best to avoid it.