Chris Herren: Substance Abuse In Fall Rivers

1. I think Chris Herren started using drugs and alcohol because of peer pressure, unmanageable emotions, and his own unique experience. Chris, a young man with bright plans for the future, practiced substance abuse at 14. Taking drugs during high school was “ordinary”, and Herren found himself at the mercy of bad influence. In Fall Rivers, the mentality only encouraged this. He was born in a destructive place and time. Schoolmates and various social groups convinced Chris to take his first shot. In the film, he recalls that he took his first line of cocaine because two strange girls told him to. They claimed it would not hurt him. As a teenager, Chris was irresponsible like most. Young adults tried substances for a fun and relaxing experience.

Chris Herren was most likely affected by social norms and popular culture. Things spiraled out of control from there. Little did he know, this addiction would be a living nightmare for the next decade and a half. Furthermore, Herren also battled the pressures of making it big from an early age. His rise and fall from stardom contributed to mounting stress. He relied on painkillers to stop these feelings and numb him. Cocaine and heroin killed his dreams of being a professional athlete. After being kicked from Boston College, everything felt like it was over. Drugs took everything he had worked for. At the time, Herren sunk into despair and depression. His addiction only got worse as he turned to drugs to ease anxieties. His family and friends were disappointed in him, and he never needed strangers to tell him what he already knew. Inside, their looks of disgust killed his motivation for rehab. He would wait for his dealer before every Celtics game, and it was only a matter of time before he failed another drug test. A misfortunate early start and years of pain and hopelessness all led to his substance abuse and made his life a living

Talks for other people help Chris get through his problem because it reminds him of his origins and progress, and shows him the impact he can have on future generations. Stressing the importance of staying drug-free and warning of his own misfortunes helps him to remember that he can help young people today avoid the path that he took. This coping mechanism allows him to recount his struggles instead of forgetting them. By speaking of his anguishing tale and regret, he hopes to educate others before they make the same mistakes. The motivation and rush from sharing and caring for these young people must have helped Chris work through his own sorrows. It reminds him of where he came from and where he is now. His proudest achievement is being the friend, husband, and father he always wanted to be. This new positive habit enables Chris to be the person that he never had. Ever since his sobriety, Chris educates others in a way different than other speakers. Instead of sharing hard facts, and “do not do this” advice, he teaches people by describing his gruesome and unique story. Releasing his pent-up feelings while gaining further perspective helped him push through. By putting his personal knowledge into words for other people, Chris Herren realized his power - encouraging others to be their best