Hi everybody,

A young relative of mine is married to a pretty bad alcoholic. She's only 31 years old and they have an 11 year old daughter.

He is in prison for the second time following some sort of assault or battery committed at a store in their town. This time they sent him to a maximum security prison downstate.

I just learned today that she is divorcing him. She has given him dozens of chances to change over the years but he keeps going back to drinking each time.

They've also had joint counseling many times.

She has been the sole provider of the family, and is working her way through school to get a better job.

I was glad to hear she is finally divorcing him. I like him, but I feel this is the only way to force him to change. He will either change, or get worse. I hope he gets help.

Their daughter has been so sad the past few years. Imagine trying to deal with questions from your friends at that age.

Someone said, but he's always so good with the daughter, he is such a good dad, etc ...

I'm sorry, but if he's a good dad he will stop drinking for his daughter and get his life together.

When his wife told him she's divorcing him, he asked, "Who is going to take care of me?"