The Partnership at Drugfree.org Collaborates With Former Professional Basketball Player, Father, Motivational Speaker Chris Herren

~Herren to Host Live FACEBOOK Chat on Substance Abuse Recovery ~

NEW YORK, April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Partnership at Drugfree.org, a national nonprofit helping parents solve the problem of teen drug and alcohol abuse, is partnering with former professional basketball player, father and motivational speaker Chris Herren. He will be the featured guest on the next "Meet The Parents Hour," a popular, live Facebook chat and Q&A session taking place on Monday, April 16 at 12 p.m. EST/9 a.m. PDT.

Herren struggled with drug addiction for much of his basketball career and ultimately realized his dreams by playing for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA), only to lose it all to substance abuse. Rising again with a new dream, Herren has been drug- and alcohol-free since 2008, and his sobriety and family are his top priorities. Herren travels the country speaking to groups of young people, sharing his life experiences and road to recovery, while offering encouragement to others who may be struggling with a loved one's addiction.

"In the past year I've been privileged to speak in front of thousands of teenagers who have related to my story and opened up about the substance abuse issues they struggle with," said Herren. "I look forward to connecting with parents and caregivers through The Partnership at Drugfree.org, so we can all work together to assist those in need take the first steps toward recovery and a life of sobriety."

Visitors to The Partnership at Drugfree.org's Facebook wall will have the unique opportunity to chat live with Herren and hear from others touched by drug and alcohol abuse. Herren will be taking questions and answering them in real time during the virtual event.

"We are honored that Chris has chosen to help us reach parents and families directly with his inspirational, personal story of recovery and triumph," said Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of The Partnership at Drugfree.org. "Chris is not only a former basketball star with fans over the world, but he is also a loving father whose story lets others know that help is available and recovery is possible."

Herren launched his own basketball player development company, Hoop Dreams with Chris Herren, and has trained more than 200 basketball players since 2009, including top basketball prospects in New England.

In 2011, he founded The Herren Project, a nonprofit foundation that assists individuals and families struggling with addiction. Project Purple is a new initiative launching later this month to help break the stigma of addiction, bring awareness to the dangers of substance abuse and shed light on effective treatment practices.

For more information on Herren, please visit theherrenproject.org. To learn more about The Partnership at Drugfree.org, please visit drugfree.org

About The Partnership at Drugfree.org

Ninety percent of addictions get their start in the teenage years. The Partnership at Drugfree.org is dedicated to helping families solve the problem of teen substance abuse. Bringing together renowned scientists, parent experts and communications professionals, this public health nonprofit translates research on teen behavior, parenting, addiction and treatment into useful and effective resources at drugfree.org. Its You Are Not Alone campaign is dedicated to supporting families of the 11 million teens and young adults who need addiction treatment, while the organization's community education programs reach families at the grassroots level. The Partnership at Drugfree.org mission to help parents prevent, intervene in and find treatment for drug and alcohol use by their children depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and the public sector. We are thankful to SAG/AFTRA and the advertising and media industries for their ongoing generosity.

SOURCE The Partnership at Drugfree.org