My only advice to you is something you may not want to hear. Once a man raises his hand to you, or anyone for that matter, they will do it again. Thats because by you taking them back each time, your letting them know that you will accept that behavior from them. I have no doubt in my mind that you love him, I loved my ex too, but you need to think about how you want to live the rest of your life. Do you want to live in fear, or with the memories you have with him from the past? It's your decision, noone elses.
I hope that you find happiness and safety in what you choose. Your in my thoughts, moonstar22

Get counseling asap. You need help through this. It's not over yet!

Drinking does not cause abusive behavior...it's already there. Drinking may exascerbate a situation..but it doesn't MAKE it happen. An abuser is going to abuse his target irregardless of the circumstances.
It's hard when you love them...but eventually you get to what I call the "straw that broke the camel's back". Where you can't stand one more SECOND of it, and will do whatever necessary to get out.
You need to know that counseling won't help..not couples counseling, anyway. It's not a "we" problem, it's a "he" problem. Even with intensive anger management and counseling with a therapist who specializes in these types of issues, the rate of change is VERY low. The statistic I saw was 2-3%. Not very many.
There IS something you can do as part of "your part". You can get counseling for yourself..independent of him. You can read...understand what abuse really is. A good start is "Why Does He Do That?" by Lundy Bancroft. Excellent read. Sort of like a "bible" for abused women. Helps with understanding what you're dealing with, and that it's NOT about you. There is a lot of information that's a mouse click away. Type "domestic abuse" or "emotional abuse" in the search engine. It's all out there.
I wish you much luck. I'd love to tell you to just leave him, and get on with your life. That you CAN go forward and fall in love again..with a good man. They're out there. I'm living proof of that, after 20+ years of an emotionally abusive marriage. But whether to leave or not has to be entirely your decision..since if you make it under duress, or spur of the moment, etc...it's highly likely you'll return.
I wish you all the best.....

One thing that you CAN count on is that if you do the same thing over and over again you will get the same result. What is different this time, other than sobriety? Have either or both of you received counseling? Being pathetic and begging you to come back is appealing to your love and compassion and I know that is a strong motivator, but it is how he maintains control over you. You understand to a degree the adictive behavior if you have a problem with alcohol, and your "love" for him might just be another "addiction." Make sure that things: rules of engagement and conflict, rules concerning staying and leaving, etc. are all set up and you stick to them. Does he really understand his abusive behavior or is it just a ploy to get you back?