I think you said it best yourself...
...when you titled the original post, "Not able to be there for his daughter."
That's exactly it. He is not able to be. He may also not want to be, but that's another issue and as long as he is drinking or struggling with his recovery you'll never be able to know for sure. It simply isn't possible.
One of the biggest gifts recovery has given my wife is her ability to be there for our daughter.
Take care,
Cyranoak