@JenniferS — Parents have a tough job and deserve a lot of credit. The story of your son reminded me a little of my family (2 boys & 2 girls) when I was growing up. One of my brothers was a wild kid and got himself into all kinds of trouble. This resulted in a lot of drama between him and my parents.
Somehow, I often got stuck in the middle of the arguments, by being the self-appointed, referee/peacemaker (I haven't a clue why I volunteered for this dubious "distinction" . . maybe because I was the youngest at 15, and naive, whatever . . .). So one night during one of their heated battles, my brother, who was high on some substance(s), was out of control and yelling at my parents. I started crying, and all of a sudden, my father told my brother to get out of the house and never return. Brother: "Why, what did I do?" (He asked that so innocently.

) Father: "You made your sister cry!" (Hold on! Wait a minute!! How did I get to be the "heavy" here, being the
reason for my brother getting kicked out of the house??!! C'mon—come clean—wasn't it because of all his bad behavior for a few years, that led up to this?!) My poor dad; he didn't know what to say.
In conclusion, most families have some level of dysfunctional behavior. I am happy to say that my brother straightened out, after a few years on his own. He's a wonderful guy. I am confident that your son will also come around in due course. I think parents deserve medals!
