Hey darl, I went through this same thing for about two years. If your partner is really ready to get help to kick this habbit there are lots of places available to help him. The first and most important is Alcoholics Annonomous. I don't know what their numbers are

in your area but if you ring directory assistance they will be able to help you get in touch with them. There will more than likely  be a heap of community support services that AA can help you get in touch with as well. Also counselling can help. A visit to your G.P. will help also, they will know of other services that can help, and your partner may need medication to help him through him withdrawals. It is a very long, very hard process, and you will both need a lot of suppot to get through it. I don't think your family would find it a burden if you told them what's going on and asked them to support you through this, and the truth is you will need it. There is also a service linked to Alcoholics Annonomous called Al Anon which is there to support the spouses and families of Alcoholics, please get in touch with them to help get the advice and support that you will need to get through this. I know it may seem silly, you arem't the one with the problem after all, but sometimes we don't realise how much things are affecting us because we are too busy concentrating on those around us, and i know first hand that you can't live with and love an alcoholic without getting your heart broken many times. I hope you both get all the support you need and come through this difficult time together, please feel free to message me anytime for advice or just to chat. Take care.