Addiction is a disease that knows no bounds, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds and professions, including elite athletes. Ex- NBA star Chris Herren shares his story about his personal struggles with addiction and his recovery at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Tuesday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Get Real Series for Families and Teens, and Moffly Media Entertaining Conversation Series.
The event, sponsored by the Ridgefield Prevention Council Family University, is free and open to the public. In his own words, Herren tells how he nearly lost everything and everyone he loved, and how he found a way back to life. A high school basketball legend from Fall River, Massachusetts, Herren was named to the 1994 McDonald’s All-American team and 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. His 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, Herren has been clean and sober since August 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 his inspiring and life-changing presentations, Herren connects with audiences in the hopes of reaching just one person and making a difference in his or her life; teaching them that it is never too late to battle back from adversity and make dreams become a reality. Signed copies of Basketball Junkie will be available for purchase in the lobby the evening of the show.
The Ridgefield Prevention Council is dedicated to providing information and education to our community in an effort to support families and reduce high-risk behaviors in our youth population. The RPC offers programs to build awareness through educational outreach, youth leadership initiatives and community events. This event is partially underwritten by Adam Broderick Salon and Spa and Ridgefield Community Foundation, with Support from Books on the Common. If you would like to read Basketball Junkie before the event, copies are available for purchase at Books on the Common.
Tickets are free for this event but need to be reserved prior to the show. Please call or visit the box office at The Ridgefield Playhouse, (203) 438-5795. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse.org.