Thanks, Freedom1990. The issue isn't that he won't be a part of our son's life - they are very close and have a great relationship. It's not that my bf sits around home and drinks all day or evening. He rarely if ever drinks at home, and until recently, things were okay for us to have a couple of beers together, but I don't feel comfortable with that anymore. Anyhow, his drinking takes place out of the home (not that it's any better that way) and yes, my son does suffer for it, but my point is, at home, my bf is usually okay and things are good. obviously, other than the potential jail time in the future. and I am not "staying together for the kid," but rather because even though I say I am tired of hoping, I know that I will not regret trying as hard as I can to be here to support and help him.