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Teen drinking and drug statistics show an "alarming" rate in Fairfield and across the state, but Fairfield City Schools officials said they are not giving up the "battle."

According to a 2007-2008 Pride survey of students in grades seven to 12, nearly half of Fairfield students reported using alcohol in the past year and nearly a quarter reported using tobacco and illicit drugs. The average age students reported their first usage of drugs and alcohol was around 13.

Doug Hall, president of Pride Surveys said the anonymous standardized surveys given every two years in Fairfield, are an accurate depiction of students thoughts on drugs, alcohol and safety.

"There are honesty filters built into the questionnaire that eliminate those that are obviously dishonest answers," he said.

Bill Miller of Fairfield's curriculum department said the district's Wellness Committee has been digesting the numbers and will present the data to administrators, who will be able to better target students with programs.

"The data gives you an area of awareness so you can address up front areas of concern, so you can become proactive," he said.

Fairfield High School Nurse Nina Rose said the data is similar to other districts across the state, but slightly lower than inner-city schools.

She said students understand the risks of drugs and alcohol more in this survey than years past, but they are still using them.

Based on the data that showed students are drinking mostly on the weekends, she said the theme this year for Students Against Destructive Decisions is "Party drinking and weekend driving."

"We've got to promote thinking," she said.