My husband had a hard childhood. He did not have the appropriate role models to show him how to live a successful life. His brothers and sisters grew up thinking that just getting by was good enough. We had fun together, but it was apparent from the beginning that he had an issue with alcohol. I was in denial from the beginning because my husband doesn’t drink every day. He doesn’t even drink every week. But when he does choose to drink, it was normal for him to just not come home at all. Fortunately these issues got better and we ended up getting married and having two kids. Now, four years later, we still have these same problems. I know that it was dumb on my part to get involved with somebody that showed me who they really were prior to getting married, but I was always hopeful for change. I have had to guide him through the steps of becoming a productive member of society. He has become a wonderful father and a good husband, with the exception of drinking. Unfortunately, the drinking has not stopped. He has consistently missed work for our business that we own together, and I have had to make the phone calls to our clients telling them whatever excuse I could figure out to say as to why he would not be showing up. I have constantly bailed him out and given him second chances. This time, I really thought he was getting it together. He landed a full time good paying position that he has been extremely excited about. He just started. And once again, I’m sitting at home with my two children wondering where my husband is and if he will even show up to work tomorrow. I know this sounds crazy to whoever is reading this, but I am loyal and I believe that people can change. More than anything, because generally I keep this a secret from my family and friends, I just need a little bit of support. I know this is not healthy behavior and I know the chances of a change are close to none without him seeking help for himself. My husband’s  drinking is not only ruining his life but mine as well. I don’t even know where to go from here. If anybody has gone through this situation, please let me know how you handled it. We have children together in a marriage that I believed in. It is easy for someone to say just end it, but I’m struggling to do so.