Chris Herren was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, into a middle class family. Growing up, he was always athletic, and earned a basketball scholarship to Boston College. Herren was selected by the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Draft, and played three years in the NBA before continuing his basketball career overseas.
During his life, Herren has struggled with drug addiction. It started in college, where he failed multiple drug tests for cocaine, and got worse later in his life, when he started using heroin, and overdosed while driving. Herren was able to find help though rehabilitation, and has been sober ever since his overdose in 2008.
Herren has been open about his past struggles. He has spoken during interviews, has appeared in many documentaries, and has been a mentor to many young people struggling with addiction. He is a great role model and inspiration for everybody struggling with drug addiction.