Acadia National Park - Kip Young's life was once at the mercy of drugs and alcohol.

"I had isolated myself to the point where really there was nobody there that could help. That's when the consequences of my addiction were so severe and difficult to live with."

Until one day, he took the first steps toward recovery by seeking treatment.

"I had to learn that there was hope that my future didn't have to be like my past."

His future brought him to Acadia National Park, where he's taking part in a week long hike-a-thon to raise awareness of substance abuse.

He's now more than twenty years sober and a recovery counselor.

"I absolutely love my job. I get to see my clients get their life together and what I get to see them go on to is nothing short of amazing."

The Hike for Mike brings together people from all walks of life serving as a reminder that addiction knows no bounds.

"Addiction cuts across all economic strata, it doesn't care who you are, it can get a hold of you," says Ed Oechslie, Executive Director for Acadia Family Center.

The Mike this hike is dedicated to, isn't one person, it's all of us.

"Seven out of ten people are affected by addiction and Mike represents all of them."

Small steps today they hope will leave footprints in the fight against addiction.

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