Second Annual "Changing the Face of Addiction" Walk

By Vera Olinski
Two local area mothers, Elaine Tizzano and Mary Burns, are helping protect community families from the heartache caused by addiction.
On Saturday, August 6, the 2nd Annual “Changing the Face of Addiction” one and a half mile walk and community event took place at the Franklin Pavilion on Buckwheat Road in Franklin, N.J. The walk was in memory of George and Eric, who lost their lives to addiction.
Proceeds from the event will be used by the Center for Prevention and Counseling located in Newton, N.J. The center helps those currently in need of services for prevention, treatment, and recovery from substance use disorders.
The event truly was a community event, as over 400 people walked to support those living with addiction and to honor loved ones lost. The community helped raise around $20,000 for the center.
The smell of barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs, provided by local businesses and cooked by volunteers, greeted the walkers as they registered.
Rev. Boguslaw Kobus of Immaculate Conception Church said a blessing; and CKO Kickboxing of Franklin warmed the walkers before they started on their way.
As the walkers finished the course, they were welcomed by the smooth jazzy sounds of “Inner Vision.”
Director of the Center for Prevention Becky Carlson told everyone of the center's new initiative in the Sussex County C.L.E.A.R. (Community, Law Enforcement Addiction Recovery) program, along with other key stakeholders. Carlson said people can now walk into the Newton Police Station and get help in finding addiction recovery treatment with trained volunteers and recovery coaches. The program helps people: find treatment, get into recovery, and stay in recovery. Since July 18, the center has already served five people and seven family members with the new program.
N.J. State Senator Steve Oroho, who walked for the second year in a row, told the crowd, “No money can replace everything you are doing right here - the education you give your children, neighbors, and all those in recovery. You are changing the face of addiction, one at a time.”
Some walkers wore the names of loved ones on their t-shirts: “Father, son, brother, grandchild, cousin, nephew, and friend. Adam, you are greatly missed!”
Local and national prevention, treatment, and recovery resources had tables offering help.
Toward the end of the event, about nine people spoke personally about their recovery from alcohol and other drugs. Some spoke of: long-term recovery, the Center for Prevention, the 12-step recovery group model, their faith in “Jesus Christ,” being available for their child, going from homelessness to pursing a graduate degree at an ivy league institution, the support of family and friends, being employable, involvement in the community, and having a driver's license and car.
Burns explained they had wanted to do something to change the perception of addiction. She said addiction is a disease which hijacks the brain and needs to be treated properly. Burns also said insurance companies have to allow for proper treatment with strong follow-up.
Tizzano said people need to face the addiction problem, and then they can deal with it and recover. Also, she said the stigma needs to change. People need to know where they can get treatment and not be afraid to say they need help, added Tizzano.
At the end of the event, Tizzano poignantly asked everyone in the pavilion to stand up if their lives had been affected by addiction. Around three-quarters of the walkers in the pavilion stood up.
If you or someone you know needs help with addiction, contact: centerforprevention.org, clearprogram.org, or call 1-844-722-5327.