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) at 7:00 p.m.
“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 on October 21 at 6:30 p.m. The presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will end with a Q&A session. This event is appropriate for ages 13 and older.