MASSENA -- The Massena Drug-Free Community Coalition, working to fight a growing local drug addiction problem, will host a presentation by a nationally known drug prevention expert Wednesday, Jan. 6.

Michael Nerney, who has nearly 30 years’ experience lecturing on substance abuse, prevention and education, will focus on the effects addiction has on the developing brains of young people. He is former director of the Training Institute of Narcotic and Drug Research.

The presentation, open to all, is set for 7 to 9 p.m. at the Massena Community Center, 61 Beach St., and is the coalition’s second “Take Back Our Community” town hall meeting.

At the first “Take Back our Community” meeting in September, more than 200 people gathered for the forum, where addicts’ loved ones and former addicts shared their stories.

On Wednesday, Nerney will discuss teen behavior, including emotionality and risky behavior, and how parents can protect children from the wide range of drugs and alcohol with which they could come in contact.

Members of the Drug-Free Coalition will also be on hand to speak with concerned people one-on-one.

Drug-Free Coalition chair Tim Currier says Nerney has spoken in Massena on a couple of occasions.

“When I heard him speak, I came away with a far greater understanding of the adolescent’s brain development as it relates to drug and alcohol use and addiction. He is able to speak on a variety of issues,” Currier said. “There are many excellent speakers out there, and Mr. Nerney’s style, presentation skills supported by his vast knowledge and experience make him a speaker you want to hear.”

The coalition is encouraging parents to attend, to learn how they can influence their children’s decisions and how young people process information.

At the September town hall meeting, many expressed frustration at the difficulty people have getting treatment for their children or themselves and the lack of insurance coverage for rehabilitation programs. One man spoke about his success in quitting drugs, and how he would not have accomplished it without an intensive rehabilitation program.