Expert: james52144@earthlink.net - 1/10/2007

Question
I've been married to an alcoholic for almost 17 years.  He has been in rehab several times but starts drinking again within days of getting out of rehab.  The latest episode was this past week.  He left the house one night in the car and I received a call from the Emergency Room saying he had been brought in.  Luckily he had not hit anyone else.  He had ran off the road into a ditch.  He was not hurt.  My question is should I take the car away from him?  The car is in his name but I pay the car insurance since he has not had a job in a year.  I'm worried about what will happen to me if he hurts someone.  I've been to AlAnon but I'm still confused as to what I need to do.  He doesn't work, has no money and nowhere to go.  The house is in both our names.  I pay all the bills and take care of our children.  I've asked him to leave but he refuses.  I feel trapped.  Any suggestions on how I deal with this?

Answer
Hi Cheryl

Well, most states allow a spouse to get a divorce on the grounds of alcohol abuse. I would definitely take the car away from him. Some people will call the cops when the spouse drives off drunk. That way the bottom comes quicker. At this point you need to do whatever you can do to protect yourself physically, financially and emotionally. You do not have to be a victim.

Good luck