Former NBA Star Speaks to Students About Addiction Prevention

On Wednesday, January 16, former NBA star Chris Herren visited EHS for the second time in as many years to talk with students about addiction recovery as part of Episcopal’s healthy choices programming.
Herren struggled with addiction to alcohol and opioids for nearly a decade, starting in high school. He failed more than 60 drug tests while playing college basketball, and racked up almost two dozen drug-related felonies by the time he was playing in the NBA. Fortunately, Herren has been sober since 2008. He travels around the country as a motivational speaker, using his story to promote substance addiction prevention.

“Chris's ability to connect with people regardless of their personal history of substance use is striking,” said Director of Counselor Kristin Hosmer. “His messages about focusing on the ‘first day and not the worst day’ and holding one another accountable for making healthy choices truly resonated with our community. His presentation has sparked conversations that have both students and faculty rethinking the disease of addiction and prevention.”

In 2018, the former NBA star’s foundation opened the first Herren Wellness facility in Seekonk, Mass., an on-site facility that implements holistic techniques to facilitate rehabilitation and a life in recovery. A second facility is slated to open in Warrenton, Va., later this year.

Back