Chris Herren, has been visiting approximately 255 schools per year for the past several years to spread the word to students the damage and destruction that drug use and abuse can do to their lives. As a reformed addict himself, and after destroying his career with the NBA due to his addiction, Herren turned his life around and has made it his journey to help others to escape from the same kind of addictions that became his downfall.
When he first started speaking at schools, Herren talked about his story and the negative impact that his addiction had on his life. This most recent visit was quite a bit different. Herren spoke to students about self-esteem, self-worth and confidence. He asked the question many times, “Why can’t you just be you?” He delivered the message to the students that they should be surrounding themselves with people who challenge them to be a better person both socially and emotionally. Herren asked the student body, “Do you know who you are when you look in the mirror?”
Herren went on to talk about several teens that he has tried to help over the years. These stories caused many a tear to flow throughout the student body, the administration, and other invited guests. Several subjects that he touched on were including pill-popping, marijuana and the dangers of what can happen when it is laced with synthetic drugs that could cause instant death or long-term brain damage. He advised teens who are dealing with someone in their lives that may be an addict to ask them, “Why are you chasing death, why risk your life for something so little?” The message was that you may start out with just drinking or using marijuana, however, for many, those things quickly turn into needles and other more addictive drugs. For some, they may walk out of it and not have a long term problem, and then there are the others that cannot get out or have a very hard time getting out.
Lastly, Herren had a discussion on what the students can do if they know someone who is in trouble and they don’t want help. He encouraged them to get an adult involved. He explained that you may lose that friend until they realize that you are a great friend for helping them get help.
“At the end of the day, as Herren said, If this speech helps just one teen from becoming an addict or getting the help they need if they are an addict, then it was worth every minute”.
A reminder to parents, communication with your children when dealing with and addressing these topics is key.
Issue Date:
April, 2016
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