Former Celtics Player Herren Discusses Recovery from Addiction at May 2 Haverhill School Talk

Chris Herren at the New England Basketball Hall of Fame induction dinner 2013. (Photograph CC by SPhilbrick.)

Chris Herren, who played for the Boston Celtics during 2000–2001 and, overall, played 70 games from 1999 to 2001 as a member of the Denver Nuggets and Celtics, discusses his recovery from drug addiction during a free program next week in Haverhill.

The Haverhill Public Schools Wellness Committee is inviting students and families to hear Herren during a program that includes counselors, resources and raffle baskets. It takes place Tuesday, May 2, from 6-8 p.m., at Caleb Dustin Hunking School, 480 S. Main St., Haverhill.

According to his biography, Herren played high school basketball at Durfee High School in Fall River, scoring more than 2,000 career points and was named to the 1994 McDonald’s All-American team. He attended Boston College and later transferred to Fresno State after failing drug tests. He missed part of the 1997-1998 season for treatment of substance abuse. He found career success when he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1999 and then traded to the Boston Celtics in 2000.

Herren has been in long term recovery since 2008 and now shares his story and helps educate others on the disease of addiction.

During the school program, counselors will be on-site and a number of local organizations will be available to meet with families and offer resources. They include NFI, Lahey Behavioral, Merrimack Valley Prevention and Substance Abuse Project, Eliot Behavioral Center, YWCA, Learn to Cope and others.

Haverhill Schools’ Coach of Health and Wellness Megan Arivella is scheduled to preview the program during WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” show, Monday, May 1, at 8:45 a.m.

The program is paid with money from the City of Haverhill Youth Activities and Mental Health Fund.

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