Yeah, it really sucks. My brother has been firmly in the grasp of alcoholism for 30 odd years, haven't talked to him in 3 years or so, he hasn't seen any of his family in god knows how long. Never met my son, who's now 17 1/2, nor four nieces/nephews. How f***ed up is that? I just ended a relationship with a woman who's been on that road for over a decade, based on everything I've seen I could easily outlive her, she's 23 years younger than me. I tell myself over and over, I can't do anything about it. My brother's been told, by us and the system, I told HER over and over again. All I can do. My thoughts go out to you. There is nothing you can do beyond telling them.