Former NBA player Chris Herren to Discuss Substance Abuse at Wilton High School Oct 21

According to a 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health study, an estimated 23.9 million Americans ages 12 or older—or 9.2 percent of the population—had used an illicit drug or abused a prescription medication in the past month.

In the same year, nearly 60 million Americans ages 12 or older—or 23 percent of the population—reported binge drinking in the last 30 days. Substance abuse can affect anyone which is why former NBA player Chris Herren will be in Wilton on October 21 at 6:30pm to share his personal story.

Chris 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 August 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. He travels around the United States and will be at Wilton High School’s Clune Center on October 21, 2014 (395 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT).

“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.”

When public figures like Herren speak candidly about their struggle with addiction it helps decrease the stigma. “Addiction is a disease that affects brain chemistry, not a character flaw,” says Eric D. Collins, MD, 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 6:30pm. The presentation will begin at 7:00pm and will end with a Q&A session. This event is FREE and is appropriate for ages 13 and older.

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