DEAR AMY: Many times you have advised engaged couples who are facing possible deal-breaking issues that unless they are both prepared to put their marriage at the center of their lives, they should not tie the knot. How about married couples who are faced with issues later in marriage? I am 66 and 12 years into my second marriage. The past six years have revolved around my 25-year-old stepson's heroin addiction, related felony convictions, sex-offender conviction, prison sentences and parole violations. My wife has centered our life on her son and in my opinion is his greatest enabler, with no signs of change. I love this woman and want to spend the rest of my life with her. Before marrying, I agreed that she and her son were "a package deal." That was when he was a child (his father had died). Who could have seen this coming? However, I am done with the daily drama. I feel he is long overdue to take responsibility for his choices and actions. I want to feel our marriage is at the center of our lives. I have not felt this in six years. I feel I'm being selfish in wanting my life back. We have been to numerous counselors only to end the sessions at the slightest hint that the marriage should be of prime importance. We've talked of divorce, and I guess that's where we are heading. Do you have any wisdom? 
 --Sad Stepdad 
 DEAR SAD: In the spirit of the "package deal," think of this as an effort to save your stepson's life. Unless your wife is willing to see things differently and change her behavior, her son will continue to spiral downward. Placing your marriage at the center will give your family the strength to cope with this challenge. 
 For inspiration, read "Don't Let Your Kids Kill You: A Guide for Parents of Drug and Alcohol Addicted Children," by Charles Rubin (2007, New Century). 
 Meet with a therapist qualified to counsel families of addicts.

DEAR AMY: Many times you have advised engaged couples who are facing possible deal-breaking issues that unless they are both prepared to put their marriage at the center of their lives, they should not tie the knot. How about married couples who are faced with issues later in marriage? I am 66 and 12 years into my second marriage. The past six years have revolved around my 25-year-old stepson's heroin addiction, related felony convictions, sex-offender conviction, prison sentences and parole violations. My wife has centered our life on her son and in my opinion is his greatest enabler, with no signs of change. I love this woman and want to spend the rest of my life with her. Before marrying, I agreed that she and her son were "a package deal." That was when he was a child (his father had died). Who could have seen this coming? However, I am done with the daily drama. I feel he is long overdue to take responsibility for his choices and actions. I want to feel our marriage is at the center of our lives. I have not felt this in six years. I feel I'm being selfish in wanting my life back. We have been to numerous counselors only to end the sessions at the slightest hint that the marriage should be of prime importance. We've talked of divorce, and I guess that's where we are heading. Do you have any wisdom? --Sad Stepdad DEAR SAD: In the spirit of the "package deal," think of this as an effort to save your stepson's life. Unless your wife is willing to see things differently and change her behavior, her son will continue to spiral downward. Placing your marriage at the center will give your family the strength to cope with this challenge. For inspiration, read "Don't Let Your Kids Kill You: A Guide for Parents of Drug and Alcohol Addicted Children," by Charles Rubin (2007, New Century). Meet with a therapist qualified to counsel families of addicts.

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