Susan I'm glad you got to get away for awhile. You need the breaks.
I'm sorry difficult child isn't doing any better. Maybe he's headed to his personal bottom. (one can hope) And from there he'll be able to realize the only way to go is up.
I have a classmate in my drawing class. She's about Nichole's age. True blue difficult child. Sweet girl though, just never had anyone to give a darn about her. She gives me hope for my boyfriend who's and addict. This girl beat major drug addiction and alcoholism. (she'll always be both, but hasn't used in over 2 yrs now). She was neck deep in trouble as a teen. She found her way.
I hope difficult child wises up soon.
((hugs))