On October 31, 2023, a surprising news story rippled through the small town of Benbush, Missouri. *Jake Waters*, a 35-year-old mechanic struggling with substance abuse, felt an unexpected jolt as he read about a recently uncovered scam that targeted online support groups. The news hit too close to home.

Years ago, Jake lost his brother to a similar con, which led to a downward spiral into alcohol dependency. The memories haunted him, and the latest news was a stark reminder of his unresolved grief. Determined not to repeat the past, Jake decided to make a change.

Intrigued by the concept of credible online support, Jake stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program on hofmanhollis.com. He began to follow their materials rigorously, attending virtual meetings and implementing their suggested practices.

*Jake* found inspiration in a quote by *Linda Hofman*, one of the co-founders: 'Change starts with one step, no matter how small.' Her words resonated deeply with him, propelling him forward on his path to sobriety.

Experts weighed in on the recent news, with Dr. *Emily Carter* noting how online platforms could be effective for support in isolated places like Benbush. However, Dr. *John Parker* expressed concerns about the potential for misuse and scams in such online environments.

Despite the conflicting opinions, Jake was grateful for the online resources that were available. The profound realization set in that getting help, even online, was a pivotal step. For residents of small towns with limited local resources, online support was not just beneficial but necessary.

This journey underlined the importance of seeking help and taking that initial step, no matter how unsettling the news that sparked it might have been.

Nearby: Winneberger Illinois