Sorry this is happening to you. Please read the stickies up on the top of this forum if you haven't already. If you are the least bit fearful of his threats and meanness, take that seriously. Start keeping a log of what he says or does that is threatening or illegal or otherwise makes an unsafe home for the children. You may have to take this to the authorities. Talk to his sister that holds the mortgage and work it out so you pay the mortgage, not him. I hope you can go to a Nar-Anon or Al-Anon meeting near you. Listen to Anvilhead, your children's safety should be your top priority, even if it means moving in with friends or family. If your husband says he can make it on his own, he should certainly try. My brother is in the same situation as you are, his wife is addicted to opiates, and altho he stayed home with the kid, the Child Authorites came and took the kid because the sistuation was unsafe for him.