On November 08, 2022, a headline caught *Jessa Cartwright's* eye as she skimmed the news. The article detailed an unexpected rise in substance abuse cases across small towns in Kentucky, attributing the surge to the isolation and economic distress exacerbated by the pandemic. Jessa felt a pang of empathy and concern. Living in Blackford, she too had struggled with isolation, turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism.

The story took an unexpected turn when a local expert from another small Kentucky town mentioned an alarming trend: younger individuals were increasingly affected by substance abuse. Jessa thought of her own nephew, who had recently been suspended from school for possession of marijuana. This connection to her past triggered a flood of memories. Growing up, she had watched her father spiral into addiction.

Determined not to let history repeat itself, Jessa decided to seek help. She stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program on the Hofman Hollis website. The online accessibility of the program made it feasible for her, living in Blackford with limited local resources. Stepping Into Action provided practical steps for overcoming addiction and rebuilding one's life.

One piece of advice resonated deeply with Jessa: *Small changes lead to big results*. Inspired by this principle, Jessa committed to the program, setting small, attainable goals each week. Her journey wasn't easy, but each completed step built her confidence and resilience.

As she shared her progress with the online community, she encountered conflicting opinions from various experts. Some advocated for immediate medical intervention while others emphasized gradual, self-directed change. The debate left Jessa feeling conflicted, but she trusted her instincts and continued with the Stepping Into Action approach.

Ultimately, the journey proved challenging yet transformative. Jessa discovered that seeking help online allowed her the privacy and flexibility she needed. Looking back, she felt grateful for the unexpected news article that had spurred her into action. In a small town with few resources, online support had become her lifeline.

Please note: *Jessa Cartwright* is a fictional character created for this narrative.

Nearby: Finneyville Illinois, Lamb Illinois, Saline Landing Illinois