Former NBA Star Shares Personal Story of Addiction Recovery at Event Co-Hosted by Elements Behavioral Health
Lincolnshire, IL (PRWEB) April 21, 2014 -- Addiction is a disease that knows no bounds, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds and professions, including elite athletes. Former NBA star Chris Herren knows firsthand the devastation of addiction and is sharing his story with students, parents, community leaders and health care professionals on May 7 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Adlai E. Stevenson High School’s Performing Arts Center in Lincolnshire, Ill.
At this educational and inspiring event, called “Chris Herren Unguarded - It’s Never too Late to Follow Your Dreams,” Herren will discuss his struggles with substance abuse which plagued much of his basketball career. A high school basketball legend from Fall River, Mass., who was named to the 1994 McDonald's All-American team, Herren went on to play for the Denver Nuggets and the Boston Celtics.
Over the span of about 10 years, Herren’s drug use resulted in professional setbacks, legal problems and a near-fatal heroin overdose. Herren’s harrowing story of drug abuse and recovery is documented in his memoir, Basketball Junkie, as well as the Emmy-nominated ESPN Films documentary Unguarded.
After intensive drug rehabilitation efforts, Herren has been clean and sober since August 1, 2008. Today, he is dedicated to sharing his story and sending a strong message to young people that it’s never too late to follow their dreams, overcome their setbacks and start making healthy choices.
“In the Midwest, as in much of the nation, we are facing a prescription drug epidemic, which is fueling a sharp increase in heroin addiction,” said Terri O’Connor, CADC, the Midwest region’s Senior Clinical Outreach Director for Elements Behavioral Health, which operates Right Step adolescent rehab in Dallas, Promises young adult addiction treatment program, and a specialized relapse prevention program for young adults at The Recovery Place in Florida. “This event will allow us to build awareness around this serious issue and to put a voice and a name to the struggle many families are going through right now.”
Following Herren’s talk, there will be a book signing and opportunities to learn more about addiction and recovery. Treatment providers will be available to answer questions and provide education and addiction treatment resources both nationally and in the community.
“As a star athlete whose life has been forever changed by addiction, Chris has the knowledge and experience to help young people make the critical decision not to start experimenting with drugs,” said O’Connor. “For those who have already started down that road, Chris’ message will be one of hope. Help is available.”
To attend this free event, which is being organized by local high school districts 125 and 128, Kiva Recovery, Elements Behavioral Health and Child, Adolescent and Family Recovery Center, register online. To learn more about other events hosted by Elements Behavioral Health, visit the events page.
About Elements Behavioral Health
Elements Behavioral Health is a family of behavioral health care programs that includes Promises Treatment Centers, The Ranch, The Recovery Place, Lucida Treatment Center, Clarity Way, Journey Healing Centers, the Sexual Recovery Institute and Right Step. Elements offers comprehensive, innovative treatment for substance abuse, sexual addiction, trauma, eating disorders and other mental health disorders. We are committed to delivering clinically sophisticated treatment that promotes permanent lifestyle change, not only for the patient but for the entire family system. For more information about Elements Behavioral Health, visit http://www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com.
Terri O'Connor, Elements Behavioral Health, http://www.promises.com, +1 (866) 285-9441, [email protected]
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