Former Player For Boston Celtics Opens Up About Addiction Recovery

Former Boston Celtics guard Chris Herren’s struggle with addiction is well-known.

Multiple positive drug tests throughout his time as a college athlete and two-year career in the NBA made Herren a frequent topic of conversation among New England basketball fans.

Herren was eventually able to get effective treatment for his substance use disorder. Since then, he has devoted much of his life to helping others, especially teens, learn about the risks of drug use.

Addiction Can Affect Anyone

In 1994, Chris Herren graduated from Durfee High School in Fall River, Massachusetts.

18-year-old Herren was one of the most prominent student athletes that year, even earning coverage in Sports Illustrated after he accepted a place at Boston College.

Despite having a prominent career ahead of him, Herren was already experiencing the negative side effects of illicit drug use.

Herren, and many others like him, demonstrate that addiction is a chronic health disorder that has the potential to affect anyone regardless of their background or prospects.

Public Evidence Of Drug Use

Despite the teenaged basketball star’s desire to shine at Boston College, his time at the prestigious university was cut short after he tested positive for cocaine following his first game.

Herren would go on to fail drug tests when he played for California State University, Fresno, the Denver Nuggets, and the Boston Celtics.

The former athlete admits that he lost control. While in the NBA, Herren states that he spent about $20,000 a month on drugs like cocaine and illicit OxyContin (oxycodone).

Finding “Rock Bottom” In The Public View

In interviews, Chris Herren describes his experience with addiction as “14 years of rock bottom.”

The side effects of his drug and alcohol use caused Herren to miss out on major life events that were crucial to family and friends, including his mother’s funeral and the birth of his son.

He was just 25 when he experienced a near-fatal overdose for the first time.

Today, Herren shares these experiences as a way of showing others how much harm drug use can do to your life, your future, and your relationships.

A Familiar Story

To anyone who has experienced a serious substance abuse disorder, these stories are hauntingly familiar.

While mass media often portrays substance abuse as a moral failing that primarily affects marginal communities, the truth is far different.

Addiction is a diagnosable health condition that affects roughly 46 million Americans over the age of 12. Substance abuse can be found in all communities regardless of race, religion, or economic status.

Seeking Help For A Substance Use Disorder

It took several treatment attempts, but Chris Herren was eventually able to achieve long-term sobriety. Since then, he has dedicated much of his time to spreading awareness.

If you or a loved one needs addiction treatment, it’s important to find a treatment plan that fits your medical needs and matches your personal philosophy.

Finding the right substance abuse treatment center can make all the difference in helping you or someone you love make a lasting change.

Start Addiction Treatment In Massachusetts

To learn how you can start addiction treatment in Massachusetts, contact Bedrock Recovery Center today.