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Former NBA Player To Share Addiction Story With Wayne-Area Residents

WAYNE, N.J. – Chris Herren got high before his basketball games. He left his wife and newborn son in the hospital to drink. He even shot heroin before his mother's funeral.

Chris Herren will share his addiction story with Wayne-area residents.

Chris Herren will share his addiction story with Wayne-area residents.

Photo Credit: Margaret McHugh

For 14 years, the NBA star struggled with addiction.

Herren will share his story and answer questions from Wayne-area residents next month.

“Chris will be speaking about his real life struggles with addiction, and those in attendance will get an understanding of how difficult it is to break a drug habit once it is started,” said Doug Cook, a past president of the Pequannock Valley Rotary who helped organize the program.

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After getting sober in 2008, Herren, a married father of three, began sharing his story across the country to prevent young people from using drugs and alcohol, and to inspire recovery for those battling addiction.

He opened up about his story of drug abuse and recovery in his memoir, "Basketball Junkie," as well as in the Emmy-nominated ESPN Films documentary, "Unguarded."

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The event is sponsored by Community Partners of Hope, a coalition of 11 community groups and houses of worship committed to raising awareness about the opioid crisis.

It will be held on April 3, at 7 p.m. at the Pequannock Township High School auditorium. Tickets are free, but registration is required. To reserve seats, click HERE.

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