It used to be said that tobacco is a “silent killer” but there is another silent killer that is insidious as it lurks in the dark and cunningly kills its prey. It is the addiction to alcohol and drugs.

There are few, if any, fitness events that focus on this present dilemma in our society. The focus on cause-related events is typically on the diseases that are physical in nature like heart or lung or muscular diseases. We are a society with a big problem called substance abuse and we can’t keep blowing it off like dust.

When will we realize the social stigma or stereotype of an addict is not a homeless 80-year-old laying in the streets? It is among us. Addicts are our neighbors, doctors, sons, daughters and they are found in our churches, our homes, our cities.

Alcohol and drug abuse is chronic. But you say to yourself, “Well, why can’t an addict just stop drinking? I can stop when I have too much, why can’t they?” That’s just it. That is what separates you from the addict. It is not about willpower. An addiction happens to some and not others. What is the difference if it is genetic, a learned behavior or personality trait? It kills. Often it kills, and not only the addict. Think about all of the broken homes, drunken driving victims and victims of crimes due to addictions. Alcoholism and drug addiction is powerful, baffling and cunning.

They say an addict who goes untreated and does not recover will end up in jail, a mental institution or dead. The only comfort in a statement like this are the words “who goes untreated.” Most people inflicted with addiction will sooner or later need a 24-hour treatment center. Treatment is rigorous and there are far and few beds available for those seeking help.

We have come a long way in health when it comes to fitness in our schools, but not far enough. Substance abuse walks freely within the halls of our schools. The topic may be touched upon in the educational system at the high school level. The D.A.R.E. program set up by the police task force in some schools is an elective program. What we lack is a comprehensive educational program that can recognize children at a young age who suffer because of parents with substance abuse. There is a need in our school systems for all students to learn the negative and compelling effects of substance abuse as a preventive measure before it is too late.

There are organizations that want to do something about this. It is time we take them seriously and help in whatever way we can.

I have been involved with one such organization over the summer months called Rethink Addiction, through the Winnebago Department of Health. Their mission statement is to create an environment that enables healthy lifestyle choices and deters substance abuse in order to improve the quality of life for all Winnebago County residents.

They decided one way to achieve that goal was to create the “Rethink Addiction” Run. The purpose is to heighten the awareness of addictions and financially support local recovery centers. They also hope to bring to local schools a comprehensive drug and alcohol program implemented into the school at all levels.

Not only does the substance abuse addict need to “rethink” their way of life, those who may not have substance abuse issues need to “rethink” how we are handling this growing problem, because it does affect all of us. To start, join us at the Rethink Addiction 5K on Saturday in Oshkosh. You can walk or run. It doesn’t matter. What is important is you will be supporting education about substance abuse and save our children from this “silent killer.”

To register, go to and type in Rethink Addiction Run.

Rethink Addiction 5K

When: Saturday, 8 a.m.

Where: Menominee Park, Oshkosh

Register: and search for Rethink Addiction Run