MEXICO – Huffing is becoming a big problem with young people.

The act of using inhalants to get high is one of the topics Patricia Duguay will speak about during a special public program on Wednesday at Mountain Valley Middle School. She will report on the results of a countywide survey on drug and alcohol use and abuse by teenagers and adults.

“There’s all kinds of lingo around huffing,” Duguay said. “There are thousands of products out there that are used to get high.”

Wednesday’s program will present ideas on how parents can identify such use and take steps to prevent it.

The survey was conducted during a year-long period, and included discussions with Oxford County police departments, a student questionnaire, interviews with school counselors, emergency room personnel and other people who have contact with substance abuse issues, said Duguay, director of the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition.

Her organization, along with Community Concepts and Healthy Oxford Hills, sponsored the survey with funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Although tobacco use has declined substantially among young people, the use of prescription drugs has increased, according to the survey.

Adults continue to binge drink, and underage drinking and marijuana use remains high.

Duguay said Wednesday’s meeting will also help her organization decide on what topic to focus on.

“We have funding for a project, but not enough to do everything,” she said.

A light supper will be served prior to the survey results report. Those who want to attend should contact the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition at 364-7408 or by e-mail at [email protected].