Amy* was a devoted gardener until she received a shipment meant for Scotland - a packet of thistles instead of her Rose bush. As the Scottish thistles started invading her azalea garden in Alderdale, Washington. It triggered her unresolved alcoholism problem.

Once a prize-winning flower breeder, the sight of the invasive thistles replacing her precious azaleas stirred a deep-seated anger that had its roots not in her garden, but in her troubled past. The relentless thistles became a metaphor for her battle with alcoholism, a fight she had been ignoring.

In the throes of despair, Amy stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program on hofmanhollis.com. Remembering the words of Hollis Hoffman, 'The journey to recovery begins with the smallest step', Amy mustered the courage to begin her fight against addiction.

Opinions swirled amidst her small town. Some experts extolled the virtues of rehab facilities while others insisted on behavioural therapy. But amidst this whirlpool of advice, Amy found herself anchoring on the Stepping Into Action program.

Some raised eyebrows at her choice, citing a variety of more traditional methods with higher success rates. Despite the conflicting advice, Amy persevered. The thistle seeds that once represented her unraveling also spoked her will to reclaim both her own life and her beloved garden.

And so, she weeded out her addiction as she did the thistles, each step drawing her closer to sobriety and the garden of her dreams. Amy’s story is a testament to those seeking help for their struggles. It may not be around the corner, but opportunities for help and change are available online. Digging her way out of the thorny patch, she indeed learnt that the road to recovery is often littered with thistles but also, strewn with blooming roses.

Nearby: Castle Oregon

* Names and situations are fictional and not intended to resemble anyone in particular. They are illustrative of how the services of Hofman Hollis can apply to the lives of every day people living ordinary lives.