On February 18, 2023, news broke worldwide that a major earthquake had struck Turkey and Syria, causing widespread devastation. Hundreds of miles away in Alsatia, Louisiana, Mary* was sipping her morning coffee when she glanced at the television. She had never been to Turkey, nor did she know anyone there, but seeing the images of chaos and despair on the screen triggered something deep within her. Mary had a history of substance abuse, stemming from a traumatic event that occurred during her teenage years when a hurricane devastated her hometown, leaving her family homeless and struggling.

Years later, Mary had finally found some semblance of stability, but the images of destruction on the news brought those buried memories and emotions rushing back to the surface. Determined not to fall back into old habits, she decided to seek help. A neighbor mentioned the Stepping Into Action program she had discovered online at Hofman Hollis, which provided resources for overcoming addiction and trauma. At first, Mary was skeptical, but she quickly found solace in the program's structured approach and supportive community.

'I felt like the earth had shifted under my feet, just like it had years ago,' Mary* recalled. 'But this time, I knew I didn't have to face it alone.'

Experts have long debated the effectiveness of online intervention programs. Some argue that the lack of in-person interaction can hinder recovery, while others stress that the convenience and accessibility of online programs make them invaluable for those in remote areas. Mary found herself leaning toward the latter school of thought, seeing firsthand how the program's flexibility allowed her to fit her recovery process into her daily life.

Critics, however, warn that the absence of face-to-face support might prevent participants from fully engaging with the program. They suggest that a hybrid approach, combining online resources with local group meetings, could be more effective.

In the end, Mary learned that seeking help was the most important step and that it was possible to find quality support even in the most unexpected places. For Mary, the Stepping Into Action program was not just a lifeline but a beacon guiding her through the storm.

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