TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -   When it comes to alcohol, tobacco and drug use among children, the numbers are jarring.  37.6 percent of 12th grade students report binge drinking and over 20 percent have driven after drinking in the past 30 days.

After three years, the PRIDE Peer-to-Peer Prevention Program is returning to more 10,000 students on a tight $25,000 budget.

Statistics don't show a dramatic increase in abuse when the PRIDE Program left schools, but the issues have been consistent.  Statistics also don't explain why the problem is rampant in Tuscaloosa, although the proximity of university nightlife is one theory.

So this year, PRIDE teams from city high schools will go to middle and elementary schools with skits, songs and other programs to encourage younger students to stay clean.
 
The PRIDE Program also hopes to teach parents a few things.  Over 55 percent of Tuscaloosa students report using alcohol at home or their friends homes.