A recovering meth addict found himself in Chilton County last week on his 5,000-mile walk across the nation to fight meth abuse.

Richard Remus of Walla Walla, Wash. began his journey in Boise, Idaho on Oct. 15 and plans to meet with former school classmates in Daleville, Ala. before heading back west toward San Diego.

Remus, 39, who has been in recovery for a little longer than a year, has joined his girlfriend, Nicole Holman, in spreading awareness about the dangers of meth. Holman has been in recovery for about two years; the two met in a recovery program.

“Nobody really does anything to help their friends get out (of addiction),” Remus said. “I’m just walking proof to show there are many ways to find recovery.”

The focal part of his effort is education and awareness, Remus said. Along the way, he has met many who have been affected by the drug, as well as those involved with recovery groups.

People have told Remus that he has inspired them.

“I don’t hear them very often, but when I do, it makes this whole trip worthwhile,” he said.

The most difficult people he meets, he indicated, are those who don’t want to take responsibility for their recovery.

For those who do keep trying, he points them to a local recovery group or an online group such as Turning Leaf or NA.org (Narcotics Anonymous).

With the exception of a minor instance in Nebraska, Remus said he has never felt in danger during the trip. He found himself in Calera during the tornado outbreak, and he placed a video of the storm on his Facebook page.

He typically walks 14-15 miles per day but sometimes walks 20 or more.

The effort has cost about $400 per week, and the most significant cost has been lodging.

Remus and Holman are currently trying to gain sponsors for their cause.