The newly organized Brookfield CARES coalition invites the public to its first event to hear former NBA player Chris Herren speak about his struggle with substance abuse and his road to recovery on Thursday, April 11th at 7pm. This riveting presentation is intended for parents and their children (11 years & older), friends and neighbors, and will be held at Brookfield High School. Chris Herren's talk is presented by Brookfield CARES and is co-sponsored by Steps to Recovery and the Newtown Parent Connection, Inc.
Intensive, long-term substance abuse treatment for his drug addiction is what placed Chris Herren on the road to recovery. Herren will share his compelling story with our community with the hope of reaching just one person and making a difference in his or her life.
Recruited by the top Division 1 programs, Herren started his professional basketball career at Boston College. After injuries and failed drug tests, he left Boston College and was picked up by Fresno State. Drafted in the 2nd round of the 1999 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, Herren played one year before being traded to the Boston Celtics in 2000.
Herren struggled with substance abuse for much of his career. Alcohol and drug-free since August 1, 2008, he has refocused his life to put his sobriety and family above all else. "Addiction is an illness and there are plenty of people who are sick. I think it is important to get the message out about recovery because recovery is the key to restoring lives," said Herren whose story is chronicled in the ESPN documentary "Unguarded" and in his memoir: "Basketball Junkie."
Herren has developed numerous programs and speaks to ensure that others particularly young adults – have the same chance for recovery. "Taking it one day at a time has kept me sober," he said. "I've had many law enforcement officers say to me that in the past, they had little empathy for addicts but after hearing my story, they began seeing it as an illness that requires medical treatment." Herren spent 11 months receiving in-patient care to treat his addiction. Chris' story will not only provide education and information, but more importantly, it is a story of inspiration and hope.
Brookfield CARES (a merging of the former Brookfield Substance Abuse Coalition & Brookfield ACTS) is a community-based organization dedicated to promoting social and emotional wellness in the Brookfield community by focusing on the impact of substance abuse, depression, suicide, and other critical public health concerns. Through this first in a series of program offerings, the organization hopes to educate parents and young people about substance abuse and the devastating affect it has on individuals and families. They welcome public input regarding the needs of the Brookfield community related to substance abuse and mental health issues. Visit their website at: www.Brookfield-CARES.org.
Newtown Parent Connection, Inc. was founded in 2003 by a team of concerned parents who recognized the growing problem of substance abuse and addiction in Newtown and surrounding areas. The organization is committed to its mission to educate and empower the community in the prevention of substance abuse and to embrace families in crisis. For the past 10 years Newtown Parent Connection has provided educational forums and ongoing individual and group support for families struggling with issues involving substance use and addiction. To obtain more information about Newtown Parent Connection's programs designed to strengthen the resiliency of families and communities, visit: www.newtownparentconnection.org.
Steps to Recovery, LLC is a company founded by individuals who have all been affected by the horrors of alcoholism and drug addiction. They are a team committed to providing the best of intervention services, personalized treatment options, and support to those who are struggling. Steps to Recovery strives to enhance each individual's quality of life by providing the highest standards of personal support and access to professional care. Using a comprehensive approach, their staff educates clients about the dangers of addictions that are left untreated, and works closely with family and loved ones regarding ways to be supportive in the process of seeking quality rehabilitation. To learn more about Steps to Recovery, visit www.StepstoRecovery.com.