Former NBA Player to Share Story of Addiction in West Hartford
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Basketball legend Chris Herren shares his story of addiction and recovery to West Hartford students on Feb. 14, 2017, but the real message he said is about self-esteem and self-worth. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
The public is invited to attend a presentation at Kingswood Oxford in West Hartford by former NBA player Chris Herren, founder of the Herren Project, which will address his struggle with substance abuse.
Submitted by Kingswood Oxford School
On Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in Roberts Theater, Kingswood Oxford School will present “Prevention Starts With All: The Chris Herren Story.”
This event is free to the public but registration is requested. To register visit www.eventbrite.com and search “Kingswood Oxford” or click directly on this link.
Herren was a high school basketball legend from Fall River, MA, who realized his lifelong dream of playing for his hometown team, the Boston Celtics, in 2000.
Herren also had a secret. For many years, Herren hid his addiction to drugs like cocaine and Vicodin from his family, friends, and team. He was able to keep his addiction a secret until his professional basketball career was cut short due to substance abuse. After Herren’s last heroin overdose, the cops told him he had been dead for 30 seconds.
Now 10 years sober, Herren travels the country to share his story and message regarding prevention and education, and challenges audiences to rethink how we look at the disease of addiction. He has spoken to over 1 million students and community members, and his message has resonated with middle and high school students to address their struggles – whether it be substance abuse, self-harm, or bullying.
He also speaks to parents and educators on their role in this nationwide epidemic and how to be educated about the disease of addiction.
Herren’s documentary, The First Day, chronicles his journey, his work with high school students, and the ripple effect of their shared stories of the effect of substance use and other behavior.
In 2011, he founded the nonprofit Herren Project. Through the organization, Herren and his team empower schools and communities to make healthy choices, while also guiding families through recovery.
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