You cannot underestimate the power of alcohol. Especially hard liquor. I've been a primary therapist for years in mental health and drug addiction treatment programs. Alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs that there is. So there's no such thing as just using alcohol. It is more dangerous to the body and the mind than marijuana is. I'm not saying that marijuana is good for you. I will say that alcohol can cause many or most of the problems that you mentioned in the original post. It's a difficult situation for you and your family to manage. You have to be able to draw a line between giving your child the love and support he needs to get well and giving too much or rescuing him from the consequences of his mistakes. The most important thing you can do is get him professional help. Chances are he is using or has used many different substances in the past to try and fill his emptiness. It's important to take him in for a complete drug and alcohol assessment and get him to start treatment. It's really hard to do that if your son is not willing. My prayers are with you and your family as you deal with this difficult situation.