WESTFIELD – On Tuesday night in the auditorium at Westfield Technical Academy, a special event was open to the community regarding the difficult struggles of overcoming drug addiction.
A former second round pick in the NBA and Boston Celtic, Chris Herren took the stage at Westfield Technical Academy to discuss his own personal battles with drugs.
Herren began to talk about his rise from his high school career at Durfee High School in Fall River, Mass, to being recruited by every top college basketball program in the country.
After committing to Boston College, Herren entered his college career in 1994. His time as an Eagle was cut short when he failed a drug test for marijuana and cocaine.
Chris Herren spoke at Westfield Technical Academy on Tuesday night to speak about his struggles with addiction. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Herren then transferred to Fresno State and played under legendary college coach Jerry Tarkanian from 1995 through 1999. Despite the great success at Fresno State, Herren’s battle with addiction was only beginning. Being traded to his hometown team in 2000, the Boston Celtics, Herren started to use painkillers OxyContin, Vicodin, and Percocet.
The addiction for the Fall River native became so bad that he told the crowd that he ran out of the Boston Garden before his first game starting as a Celtic so he could meet his drug dealer.
Going further into his problems with addiction, Herren mentioned when he overdosed on heroin and crashed into a utility pole while in his hometown. Paramedics then informed Herren that he had been dead for 30 seconds.
Telling his heartbreaking story, Herren addressed a crowd where some people in attendance may have been affected directly or have had loved ones who have or are facing addiction.
“What I did tonight is for people who are suffering,” said Herren to the crowd. “I’m here to help people right where I was.”
Going through numerous rehabilitation programs, Herren has been in recovery since August 1, 2008. Of all the hardships that Herren has faced with addiction, the last eight years have taught him the most.
“The greatest blessing, the greatest gift I’ve been able to give is that the last eight years, I’ve been the same father,” said Herren.
A packed house is on hand to hear Chris Herren speak. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Now, a motivational speaker who goes to schools around the country and several other venues, Herren has three children.
Launching Hoop Dreams in 2009 and the creator of Project Purple, a non-profit foundation, Herren continued to give his advice to the crowd.
“Everywhere I go, there’s another sad story,” said Herren. “There’s strength if you’re willing.”
Once Herren finished his talk, he got a well-received outpouring of applause from those in attendance and then opened up the remaining portion of his time to questions. Herren allowed there to be a very productive dialogue with people in the community that have been affected by addiction.
Prior to the event, Herren had already spoken to Westfield Technical Academy students as well as Westfield High School students earlier on Tuesday morning.
Three local service providers were set up along a table just outside the auditorium before Herren took the stage. The providers were there to hand out pamphlets talking about their services and speaking to anyone that had questions or wanted to talk about the battles with drug addiction.
