AUBURN — If there’s anyone who knows the importance of listening to a talk about substance abuse and addiction in a school auditorium, it’s Chris Herren.

The Boston Globe high school basketball player of the year in 1994, Herren had just brushed off such a talk when he returned to his freshman dorm room one night at Boston College that fall.

Within hours, he had snorted cocaine for the first time.

Herren, who went on to play in the NBA as his drug problem kept dangerous pace, told his story to a rapt audience of students, officials and community leaders Thursday night at Auburn High School.

CLICK HERE to read more of David Wilcox’s article from The Citizen.

Photo courtesy of The Citizen.