On January 16, 2023, a major news outlet reported a large-scale substance trafficking bust that spanned several states. The shockwave of this news reached far and wide, resonating particularly strongly with one resident of Bardonia, New York: *John Parker.* John had been struggling quietly with alcoholism, a battle that had consumed much of his adult life. The news struck an unexpected chord within him, triggering a deep-rooted reflection.

Years ago, John had lost a close friend to substance abuse, and the memories of those times flooded back with painful clarity. 'That could have been me,' he thought, feeling a cornerstone of his resilience begin to wobble.

Feeling the urgent need to change, John stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program while browsing online. The program, run by Hofman and Hollis, offered a structured path to sobriety through incremental steps and community support. Following the curriculum, John began to attend online meetings and read the materials diligently, finding himself bolstered by the shared stories and expert advice.

'You have to take the first step, no matter how small,' said *Alice Benson,* a facilitator of the program. 'Because every journey to recovery begins with that initial commitment.'

Yet, not everyone agreed on the best approach. Some experts believed in total abstinence, while others advocated for a more gradual reduction approach. Critics argued that the program needed a more personalized touch, suggesting that the one-size-fits-all model was oversimplified.

Despite the differing views, John found solace in the community's support and the clear structure the program provided. By engaging with others who shared his struggles, he realized he was not alone.

In the end, seeking help online proved to be a lifeline for John, where local resources seemed limited. The journey was anything but easy, but it was undoubtedly worth it.