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Former NBA Player To Speak In Wilton About Drug Abuse

WILTON, Conn. -- A once-promising NBA player whose career was cut short by drug use will speak in Wilton on Tuesday.

Former NBA player Chris Herren, who struggled with substance abuse, will speak at Wilton High School on Oct. 21.

Former NBA player Chris Herren, who struggled with substance abuse, will speak at Wilton High School on Oct. 21.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Herren will speak about his substance abuse throughout most of his career and how he beat his addictions.

“My goal is to make a difference in at least one person’s life,” Herren said. “I am sharing my story to spread a message of hope and to let people know that it’s never too late to start a new chapter in life.”

Herren, who played for the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics, struggled with substance abuse most of his basketball career, but he has been drug-free and alcohol-free since Aug. 1, 2008. 

After getting sober, Herren created The Herren Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing treatment navigation, mentoring programs and education to raise awareness of the dangers of substance abuse. Herren travels around the United States delivering his message.

When public figures speak candidly about their struggle with addiction it helps to decrease the stigma. “Addiction is a disease that affects brain chemistry, not a character flaw,” said Dr. Eric D. Collins, physician-in-chief at Silver Hill Hospital. “These disorders affect people of all walks of life, from teenagers to business executives, and one should not feel ashamed for seeking treatment.”

This event is sponsored by Wilton Youth Council, Wilton Public School, Wilton Youth Services and Silver Hill Hospital. The event is supported by Cider Mill PTA, Human Services Council, Insight Counseling, Kids in Crisis, Middlebrook  PTA, Newport Academy, Positive Directions, Wilton PTA Council, and Wilton High School PTSA.

As part of the evening, organizations will participate in a prevention, treatment and recovery services fair beginning at 6:30 p.m. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. and will end with a Q&A session. This event is free and is appropriate for ages 13 and older. 

The event will be at Wilton High School’s Clune Center at 395 Danbury Road. 

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