NORTHAMPTON — As communities across the state struggle to address the growing opioid epidemic, Greenfield physician and addiction expert Dr. Ruth Potee next week in Northampton will explore how teenagers assess risk.
The talk at Northampton High School at 7 p.m. Thursday is organized by the Northampton Prevention Coalition in partnership with the Northwestern district attorney’s office.
Potee will characterize addiction as a preventable disease, according to a press release from the coalition.
“Dr. Potee’s talk will address brain development, risk taking, and how teens, family, friends, and community members can help prevent addiction by allowing teens’ brains adequate time to develop and mature, citing statistics that show that rates of addiction drop dramatically when substances are avoided until after the age of 25,” the release stated.
The event is free, and refreshments will be served in the school’s cafe before the talk. Free childcare also will be available.
Stephanie McFeeters can be reached at smcfeeters@gazettenet.com.