98 percent of 12th graders surveyed have friends who get drunk, and 75 percent have friends who use marijuana. 100 percent said it would be easy to get alcohol, and 85 percent said it would be easy to

98 percent of 12th graders surveyed have friends who get drunk, and 75 percent have friends who use marijuana. 100 percent said it would be easy to get alcohol, and 85 percent said it would be easy to get marijuana. The legal drinking age in Ohio is 21.
867 driving under the influence convictions were recorded in 2003 in Trumbull County. Statewide in 2003, alcohol was a contributing factor in 62.5 percent of all traffic fatalities.
Warning signs of drug and alcohol use in kids:
Change in friends, or dropping of old friends.
Change in conversation with friends, such as use of secretive or coded language.
Increase in secrecy regarding possessions or activities.
Negative changes in school work, missing school or declining grades.
New use of mouthwash or breath mints to mask the smell of alcohol.
Missing prescription drugs, especially narcotics and mood stabilizers.
Physical changes (hygiene, bloodshot eyes, energy levels, etc.)
Change in behavior patterns -- sleeping, eating, etc.
Sources: Southington Those Who Care; Trumbull County Alcohol and Drug-Free Coalition; Trumbull County Student Assistance Consortium.