Paramus Teens Hear Powerful Anti-Drug Message

You could hear a pin drop in the Paramus High School gym Friday afternoon.

Not one student uttered a word as Chris Herren, former NBA player, relayed the chilling details of a 14-year period of his life which was ruled by drug addiction that destroyed his dream career, hurt his loved ones and made him lose his self respect.

Herren, who has now been in recovery for 5 years, now shares his anti-drug message at high schools and colleges throughout the country. He says a prayer each time that he hopes his story will make a difference in at least one kid.

He told the students he remembers being that high school student at an anti-drug assembly sitting there thinking the message didn't pertain to him. He didn't do more than drink or smoke and thought he was above listening, he told the kids.

But he would find out he was wrong.

At 18 years old, first year at Boston College where he was on a basketball scholarship, he was introduced to cocaine. Herren told the students he swore he'd never do it again but "I had no idea that one line of cocaine would turn into a 14-year nightmare."

Herren gave a powerful speech about his drug addiciton which spiraled further out of control taking with it bits of his life. He lost his scholarship to cocaine addiction. Later he developed such a strong Oxycodone addiction, he jeopardized his career as a Boston Celtic.

Herren says he can't recall that moment when he was announced as a Boston Celtic, something he had dreamed of since he was 6 years old. The only thing on his mind at that time was when and how he could get more Oxycodone.

The drug abuse continued and he wound up addicted to heroin, of which he overdosed on twice. Eventually he found his way towards help and thanks to the words of one counselor that hit him so hard he found himself on his knees praying, he finally began to recover.

He advised students they shouldn't be quick to think that drinking and smoking can't be the gateway to drug addiction because it will be for some.

"I never heard one kid who drank or smoked at a high school party say 'I can't wait to stick a needle in my arm or lose my family one day'," Herren said making his point very clear that one doesn't plan to become an addict.

His final message for the kids was "don't ever change who you are for anyone. You are perfect just the way you are."

Many students were touched by Herren's story and came over to shake hands and give him a hug at the end of the assembly.

"I hope you will take his words to heart and I hope you will remember how brave he is and how much courage it takes," Principal Anthony Panico told the students.