I don't think crappy dads even need alcohol to be jerks to their kids. My best friend's ex has used the excuse that his rhoids are acting up not to take the kids before. Anything to keep from paying her CS and to also ditch the kids. It's incredibly sad for the kids.
I've been on a divorce forum for 10 years. Recently, one guy claimed that he has to work so many hours to pay CS, that if the mother would reduce the amount he had to pay her, he'd have more time to spend with son. He never makes the pickup times, never calls first, just leaves this kid empty handed all the time. Now wants his amount reduced on top of it. She said no. Her poor son has been let down so much. I, personally, wouldn't get my kids too hyped up if I thought AH would let them down. I think I'd try not to tell them about all their visits until he showed up.