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Former NBA Star Speaks To Students About Addiction Battle

PASADENA, Md. (WJZ) -- In college, he started using marijuana and cocaine. When he made it to the NBA, he became a heroin addict.

Ron Matz reports on a man who brought his powerful message of addiction and recovery to Anne Arundel County.

Chris Herren knows the highs and lows of a basketball star. In high school and college, he became an alcohol and drug addict. When he made it to the NBA, it was heroin and painkillers.

"Rock bottom can be at any time. I wish I didn't wait so long before I recognized that, but I made it," Chris Herren, former NBA player.

On Thursday, he took his message about drugs to Northeast High School.

"Sports are the reason why I'm the person I am. I don't want a drug or alcohol to ruin the career I have here," said senior Sergio Andino.

Herren brings his story to high schools around the country.

"I think they walk in initially and think it's another drug talk and I think they walk out thinking about where they're at in their life and what they can do," Herren said.

An emotional message that strikes a chord.

"All you can do is say no to drugs. You just have to walk away. You've just got to be the bigger person," said Trent Smoot.

"I try to convey to them that it's okay to share your struggle. It's okay to ask for help and it's okay to change," said Herren.

After completion of an intensive rehabilitation program, Chris Herren has been drug and alcohol free since 2008.

Students from eight Anne Arundel County high schools attended Thursday's event.

Chris is married and has three children and now runs a basketball development company to mentor players on and off the court.

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