Reports of drug and alcohol use have lowered in Dallas County, according to the Drug Free Communities of Dallas County (DFC) with the percentage of students who reported usage in the past 30 days of alcohol dropped from 20.9 percent in 2016 to 18 percent in 2018 and marijuana dropping from 14.5 percent in 2016 to 11.9 percent.

Prescription drug use increased from 3.8 percent in 2016 to 4 percent in 2018.

Despite the increase in prescription drugs, the progress that has been made is a thing to be celebrated.

As we work to eradicate each drop in usage is something that needs to be celebrated no matter how small the drop might be.

The percent of students who reported their parents do not feel use is wrong is also taking new strides in alcohol dropping from 10.8 percent in 2016 to 8.15 percent in 2018.

It will take more than just the DFC to eradicate the use of drugs and alcohol. It will take all of us to be vigilant in fighting this epidemic.