Hotel Del Hosts Famed Air Force Pilot at Addiction Conference

Out of high school, Chris Herren's talents were touted in Sports Illustrated. Many rough years later, he was more likely to be featured in a police blotter than in the pages of a magazine.

Now in recovery, Herren speaks to military members, students and anyone else who can learn a lesson from the years of addiction – he moved from cocaine to heroin to OxyContin – that nearly killed him.

This week the author and former NBA player will be part of the Freedom & Recovery conference beginning Wednesday at the Hotel del Coronado.

The event, which continues through Saturday, offers advice to the advisers who counsel and support service members grappling with mental health issues often stemming from their time in the military.

Other speakers include retired Air Force Capt. Scott O'Grady, who survived several days in enemy territory after being shot down over Bosnia in 1995. He will kick off the conference Wednesday morning.

Darrell Hammond, the comedian and impressionist known for his “Saturday Night Live” stint, will speak Thursday about his battles with mental illness. Herren will be on a panel the same day.

Physicians, counselors and other practitioners from prominent recovery centers across the country will attend for sessions that cover how the Affordable Care Act can benefit service members dealing with mental health problems and better ways to treat veterans and those on active duty.   

In 2012, the conference, also at the Del, hosted Gen. Barry McCaffrey, Marine Medal of Honor winner Sgt. Dakota Meyer and Dancing With the Stars champion – and Army veteran – J.R. Martinez.