Ex-Boston Celtics guard Chris Herren on trying to reach students before substance abuse is a problem

The former Boston floor general now dedicates himself to reaching local youth struggling with addiction.

Former Boston Celtics guard Chris Herren recently shared his harrowing journey from athletic success to the depths of addiction with parents and students at Masuk High School as part of his personal efforts to pay forward the aid that saved his own life after struggles with drug addiction derailed his pro career and private life. In a series of presentations, Herren opened up about his troubled upbringing, teenage experimentation with drugs and alcohol, and the devastating consequences of his opioid addiction.

“In 1994, I had an opportunity to sit in a gymnasium and pay attention, and right now I would give anything to go back to 1994 and listen” said Herren via the Monroe Sun’s Bill Bittar.

Growing up in a household with an alcoholic father, Herren’s troubles began in his teen years.