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Running to break the cycle of drugs
In a sense, South Central District Judge David Reich wants people to run away from destructive behavior. He wants them to run for a future healthy lifestyle.
After seeing many people return to Drug Court, he’s trying something different.
In April, Reich launched “Runners Against Destructive Decisions.”
Reich believes it’s necessary to invest time in healthy alternatives to end the cycle of addiction.
The judge has seen groups with similar goals and methods be successful in other places, and he’s determined to make it work in Bismarck.
RADD might remind some of Bismarck native Anne Mahlum’s Back on My Feet efforts. She inspired homeless people to run and through running, helped them get back into society. Her efforts eventually became a $6.5 million nonprofit organization dedicated to challenging and motivating homeless people through running.
There’s no indication that Reich has such a lofty goals. But he’s not aiming low. His group is small at the moment, but he sees growth.
Reich would like to develop a more organized program. He wants participants to work toward a 5K run through an eight-week program.
“We’re hoping this makes them stronger physically, emotionally and mentally to help them deal with their addiction issues,” Reich told Tribune intern Allyson Krupinsky for a Monday story.
The judge believes running creates healthy habits, requires personal commitment and helps runners meet other people.
Some of the runners taking part are there to listen if someone wants to discuss any issues. They are taking time away from their personal lives to help, if possible.
There’s no doubt that programs like RADD are needed.
On Tuesday, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem briefed legislators on the drug problems in the state, especially in the oil patch.
Stenehjem stressed the need for “education, enforcement and treatment” in battling the drug trade.
One example of education and treatment is Hope Manor. Former defense attorney Judith Roberts opened Hope Manor in January. It’s a sober house for women and she hopes to expand her efforts.
Reich has some interesting plans for RADD.
Once people show a commitment to the program, if they need a good pair of running shoes, RADD will purchase the shoes. The registration fees for any 5K race they plan to participate in will be paid. Other costs for RADD will be minimal. Reich says it won’t be an expensive program.
The judge wants the program to become younger. He wants to involve those in the juvenile court system. But there are confidentiality and liability restrictions to be resolved.
The judge hopes to give RADD some visibility in the community, so he plans a Santa Run.
“Part of what we’re doing is to help people in recovery and to bring awareness to the community about addiction issues in our community,” Reich told the Tribune.
In a Santa Run, every runner wears a Santa suit. Reich has participated in such runs in Minnesota.
The details haven’t been finalized, but the Santa Run is planned for Dec. 13.
RADD supporters hope to see the program expand across the state. And while they are upbeat about it, they are looking for more runners.
RADD meets at 6:30 a.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at Shelter No. 7 in Sertoma Park.
http://bismarcktribune.com/news/opi...cle_9b539cfe-0251-11e4-af34-0019bb2963f4.html
In a sense, South Central District Judge David Reich wants people to run away from destructive behavior. He wants them to run for a future healthy lifestyle.
After seeing many people return to Drug Court, he’s trying something different.
In April, Reich launched “Runners Against Destructive Decisions.”
Reich believes it’s necessary to invest time in healthy alternatives to end the cycle of addiction.
The judge has seen groups with similar goals and methods be successful in other places, and he’s determined to make it work in Bismarck.
RADD might remind some of Bismarck native Anne Mahlum’s Back on My Feet efforts. She inspired homeless people to run and through running, helped them get back into society. Her efforts eventually became a $6.5 million nonprofit organization dedicated to challenging and motivating homeless people through running.
There’s no indication that Reich has such a lofty goals. But he’s not aiming low. His group is small at the moment, but he sees growth.
Reich would like to develop a more organized program. He wants participants to work toward a 5K run through an eight-week program.
“We’re hoping this makes them stronger physically, emotionally and mentally to help them deal with their addiction issues,” Reich told Tribune intern Allyson Krupinsky for a Monday story.
The judge believes running creates healthy habits, requires personal commitment and helps runners meet other people.
Some of the runners taking part are there to listen if someone wants to discuss any issues. They are taking time away from their personal lives to help, if possible.
There’s no doubt that programs like RADD are needed.
On Tuesday, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem briefed legislators on the drug problems in the state, especially in the oil patch.
Stenehjem stressed the need for “education, enforcement and treatment” in battling the drug trade.
One example of education and treatment is Hope Manor. Former defense attorney Judith Roberts opened Hope Manor in January. It’s a sober house for women and she hopes to expand her efforts.
Reich has some interesting plans for RADD.
Once people show a commitment to the program, if they need a good pair of running shoes, RADD will purchase the shoes. The registration fees for any 5K race they plan to participate in will be paid. Other costs for RADD will be minimal. Reich says it won’t be an expensive program.
The judge wants the program to become younger. He wants to involve those in the juvenile court system. But there are confidentiality and liability restrictions to be resolved.
The judge hopes to give RADD some visibility in the community, so he plans a Santa Run.
“Part of what we’re doing is to help people in recovery and to bring awareness to the community about addiction issues in our community,” Reich told the Tribune.
In a Santa Run, every runner wears a Santa suit. Reich has participated in such runs in Minnesota.
The details haven’t been finalized, but the Santa Run is planned for Dec. 13.
RADD supporters hope to see the program expand across the state. And while they are upbeat about it, they are looking for more runners.
RADD meets at 6:30 a.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at Shelter No. 7 in Sertoma Park.
http://bismarcktribune.com/news/opi...cle_9b539cfe-0251-11e4-af34-0019bb2963f4.html
better than going for more restrictive punishments.