I'll tell you, two years ago, I wouldn't have read past the second post on this thread; today, what you're writing is much more important to me.
I watched my nephew go thru the same things your telling. Smart, friendly kid that started skipping out, causing problems in school, fights, not coming home, etc.. His Mom, (my sister) did the best she could, but approached everything with a "today the problem is..." attitude and never looked to address the bigger problem. The signs were there, but much of the family didn't know of the day to day problems. We only heard of the big things, like major fights, or when the Sheriff caught him and some friends messing around in the middle of the night.
For three or four years, this type of thing went on, but nobody knew how bad some things must have been...
He fixed his problems alone in his room one week before his 20th birthday.
There was no note & not a single freind or family member had any idea it was about to happen. There isn't a day that passes that I don't miss him.
Do whatever you have to do; drug tests, counselor, talk to the school, pastor, anything.. but DO NOT take for granted that some things take care of themself.
I know you won't let this rest and will make the right decisions. Reaching out for help, advice and guidance from other is important.
