I think Common thread that runs through the lives of parents who discover that their teen is abusing drugs or alcohol. If they let it, the thread of shock and disbelief can wind around parents, paralyzing them in fear and/or denial. But for kids who make it through the ugly reality of a teen substance abuse problem, there is another common thread that runs unmistakably thick and bright. It's the thread of parental love, evidenced in hard work and perseverance. When those kids who once argued and denied the existence of any problem look back in hindsight, they don't hesitate to say, "Thanks dad and mom, for sticking in there with me." If substance abuse ever walks in the front door of your house and you find yourself crying 'HELP!' don't forget that your kids are looking at you and screaming the same.