Former NBA Pro Brings Recovery Message to YSU
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Former pro basketball player Chris Herren brought his message of recovery from drug and alcohol abuse before an audience Sunday at Youngstown State University’s Kilcawley Center.
Herren, whose promising career as a guard in the National Basketball Association was derailed by his drug and alcohol abuse after just two seasons, now travels the country telling his story and giving a message of warning and hope to student athletes and others. His appearance was co-sponsored by Meridian Community Care and YSU.
Following his collegiate career, Herren spent his rookie NBA season with the Denver Nuggets in 1999-2000, and was traded to the Boston Celtics for the 2000-2001 season. But his drug abuse was ongoing through this period, to the extent that he often made a connection with his suppliers within minutes of tip-off time.
Released by the Celtics following a season-ending injury, Herren played basketball overseas while continuing his struggles with addiction. The story of his ultimate triumph over the disease -- he has been drug- and alcohol-free since Aug. 1, 2008 -- and his subsequent efforts to reach out to others, were the focus of his talk Sunday.
“Who knew that first marijuana cigarette in the ninth grade," and then " that first $20 little yellow pill," he said, "was going to turn into a $25,000-a-month addiction.” he said.
In June 2009 Herren launched Hoop Dreams with Chris Herren, a basketball player development company which offers basketball training, camps, and clinics to top basketball prospects in New England. He also founded The Herren Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing assistance to families affected by addiction, and launched Project Purple, a national anti-substance abuse campaign encouraging people of all ages to stand up to drugs and alcohol.
"We’re pleased to co-sponsor this event with YSU because it demonstrates how anyone can have an addiction problem. It's also important to understand that untreated addiction is everyone's problem," said Larry Moliterno, CEO of Meridian Community Care. “That's why Meridian partners with organizations like YSU, as well as law enforcement, parents, educators and others. Together, we have the power to eliminate untreated addiction."
Copyright 2013 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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