University increases awareness of addictions, those struggling with them
Kudos to the University of South Dakota and especially the Coalition of Addiction Students and Professionals Pursuing Advocacy (CASPPA) for inviting Chris Herren to speak on the topic of addiction.
In both the sports world and addiction recovery community, Mr. Herren’s story and life are legendary. It was vital in many ways for student athletes, students and the general community to hear his struggle with the disease of addiction and what his life looks like now as a survivor of the disease.
Millions of our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, friends and co-workers struggle with the chronic illness, but only until recently, talking about addiction or even recovery from addiction has been taboo.
Mr. Herren’s journey as a star basketball player is extraordinary, but his experience with addiction is anything but. Too many people are currently suffering the hell he described, but the system of care and the public will are simply not yet prepared to meet the need of this nation’s number one public health and social challenge.
This, however, is changing. CASPPA is part of that change along with thousands of other organizations around the country.
I applaud Mr. Herren’s efforts, but he missed a critical opportunity on Monday night.
A student asked the most important question of all: “How can I help?”
Without a doubt, there were dozens of students living through the sickness of addiction in Aalfs Auditorium during that talk.
The student who asked the question probably knows some of them and really would like to help his friends.
Instead of suggesting ways to compassionately address the issue, or highlight campus and community resources, or get educated about addiction, Mr. Herren spoke at those that are suffering and told them to “be a better you.”
Addiction is not about good and bad people, it’s about sick and well people.
And, there are ways for those who care to embrace their friends (or teammates) with love and support. There are resources on campus with help through the Student Counseling Center.
There are 12-step meetings in Vermillion and the surrounding communities. And, there are hundreds of students, staff, professors and others (like myself) who have survived addiction who are willing to talk to you or anyone about treatment and the recovery process.
Bravo to the young man for asking how he could help. As Mr. Herren so eloquently illustrated in his personal story, sometimes the critical turning point for those of us that suffer is simply knowing that our friends and loved ones care.
– David Whitesock, addiction informatics officer
