His NBA Career was Lost to Addiction, then he found Sobriety w/ Chris Herren

Gabby sits down with former NBA player and recovery advocate, Chris Herren. Once considered a basketball prodigy, Chris's rise to fame was paralleled by his struggles with addiction, a battle that nearly cost him his life. After losing everything due to substance abuse, Chris has spent the last 16 years rebuilding his life and helping others do the same. Today, he runs Herren Wellness, a center for addiction recovery, and travels the country speaking about the importance of addressing trauma and mental health in young people. Chris shares his deeply personal journey, highlighting how addiction can happen to anyone and why it’s essential to understand the “why” behind substance use, rather than just focusing on the consequences.

This episode is a powerful look at addiction, recovery, and the lifelong commitment to sobriety, making it a must-listen for anyone dealing with addiction or looking for insights on supporting loved ones through their struggles.

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Chapters:

Introduction to Chris Herren and His Journey

Gabby introduces Chris Herren, detailing his early life as a basketball prodigy and his struggles with addiction that led to his fall from grace. Chris reflects on how his personal history of trauma set the stage for his substance use.

Addiction Starts Early: Understanding the ‘Why’ [00:00:00 - 00:15:00]

Chris explains how addiction often begins in adolescence, focusing on the emotional trauma that drives young people to substances. He emphasizes the importance of understanding why kids turn to drugs and alcohol rather than solely focusing on how or what they use.

Navigating Sobriety: The Challenges of Staying Clean [00:15:01 - 00:35:00]

Chris shares his struggles with sobriety, even after 16 years, and discusses how mental health plays a critical role in long-term recovery. He talks about his approach to therapy and how tools like Internal Family Systems (IFS) have helped him address his deeper traumas.

Parenting with Awareness: Supporting Kids Through Addiction and Beyond [00:35:01 - 00:55:00]

As a father of three, Chris reflects on how his past has shaped his parenting. He discusses the fine line between being supportive and enabling, and how he navigates conversations about addiction with his children.

Rebuilding Life and Creating Herren Wellness [00:55:01 - 01:15:00]

Chris talks about founding Herren Wellness, his recovery center, and the fulfillment he finds in helping others reclaim their lives from addiction. He shares success stories from the center and emphasizes the importance of community and support in recovery.

The Importance of Therapy and Emotional Wellness in Recovery [01:15:01 - End]

Gabby and Chris wrap up the conversation by discussing the importance of ongoing therapy, emotional wellness, and how recovery