Should I stay?

I've been living with my boyfriend for 6 years. He's always had a problem with drinking and also smoking pot though it hasn't affected his employment as I've read on some of the other posts. I have made excuses when he gets drunk and doesn't show up at social commitments. This hasn't happened in quite some time but unfortunately it's mostly because I hardly ever make plans with people that include him anymore.
I tried being supportive, explaining that I hate seeing him ruin his mind and body. I also have gotten angry, to the extent that he says he will go to AA and TRY to stop drinking, but he starts again after a few weeks at the most.
Over the last couple of years I've sort of numbed myself about it. We don't have much of a relationship and no longer sleep together. But it's pleasant enough to have him around when he isn't drunk.
Last weekend I met a friend from college in Portland, OR. We had such a great time and I felt lighthearted. She talked about her children and friendships and the meaningful life she's created for herself. It was encouraging but also made me realize how many emotions and wishes I've been burying.
Last night I got in a huge argument with my boyfriend (who was drunk) and told him I didn't want to renew our lease. We said horrible things to each other. He ended up leaving and didn't come home last night. Now he called a few minutes ago and said he would TRY to stop drinking - again (it's been a couple years since he's tried last)!! I care about him but I don't trust him to actually follow through. The financial logistics of living by myself frighten me; I've done it before and ended up hugely in debt. But I don't want to keep living this way.
I guess I need some encouragement one way or another. I'm feeling very confused. Please excuse the rambling post. Thank you.

hi nancy,

thanks for sharing.

i think it would be in your best interest to leave the relationship. you've already said that it isn't much of a relationship... and that you don't trust him enough, and that you rarely make plans with people that involve him. i believe that you care about him, but i do think you've also been patient for long enough. he probably does intend on quitting his drinking, but i hope you also realize it's not as easy as you might think/wish it could be.

i think your meeting with your friend was an epiphany. it showed you (or reminded you) of how you really want to live your life. right now, i think you're far from that. unless there are some major changes in the relationship, i think you should leave it. i'm also not sure you'd be willing to wait much longer for him to come through with his drinking problem.

my question is: if you leave, where will he stay? and where will you go? i'm concerned about that. also, i do wonder how he will react. maybe you could discuss this all of this with him. tell him how it all makes you feel. communicate. that's what every relationship needs.

i'm hoping for the best.

take care*

Thank you for your response, it's difficult to maintain any sort of rational viewpoint. I do realize that it would be extremely hard for him to quit drinking. I also realize from reading the posts that the chances of success are not great especially because he would feel like he is doing it for me, not necessarily for himself.
I haven't worked out where I would live. Part of me wants to go crawling back to my family in Wisconsin. The thought of looking for a smaller, less expensive apartment, packing and moving, here in Boise is exhausting. If I stay in town I think I could afford to stay in this place if I'm very careful. I think he would have a difficult time since I've been the one keeping things together and making sure everything gets paid, and his credit is bad.
Anyway, focusing on living arrangements makes me feel somewhat more in control. When I let myself, I worry that I'll be lonelier living by myself. Most of my friends have families, so I see them sporadically.