A recent report shows that Charlotte County teens are less likely to use alcohol, tobacco and marijuana than they were 10 years ago, but substance use locally continues to be higher than the state average in many areas.

“Kids and people do not need drugs and alcohol to have a good time,” said Alyssa Balcomb, 17, who attends Charlotte High School. “As time progresses, more kids are being educated — that’s the key, just getting the word out is decreasing usage among teens.”