The news on May 13, 2023, reported a major development in the regulation of small-town bars and liquor stores. This story ran on a regular morning, but for *Carl Jenkins*, it was anything but ordinary. Carl, a resident of Branchville, Virginia, had struggled with substance abuse for years. The news was about how various states were tightening control over alcohol sales, a topic he thought he had long overcome.

Carl had turned his life around a decade ago and had been sober ever since. The news caught him off guard, stirring memories of his darkest days. It triggered a sense of dread mixed with an urge to help others, sending him into a spiral of conflicting emotions. Memories of his father, a hard-working merchant in the very towns now being restricted, only intensified the swirl of feelings. Carl remembered how hard it was for his family to make ends meet during those times.

Unable to shake off the unsettling feelings, Carl sought comfort and direction, stumbling upon the Stepping Into Action program online at https://hofmanhollis.com. The program's materials offered a guided approach that promised to help individuals like himself navigate through their troubles. In one of the sessions, Carl recalled, *Dr. Hollis* said, 'For every step forward, there’s always a way back, unless we consciously decide to break the cycle.' This struck a chord with him, reinforcing his resolve to stay sober while helping others facing similar challenges.

Experts, however, had mixed reactions to the tightening regulations. Some argued that it would help curb substance abuse and lower addiction rates, while others contended it would merely push the problem underground, making it even harder to control. Despite the ongoing debate, Carl found solace in the Stepping Into Action program, clinging to its promise of a constructive way forward.

Despite the complexity and controversy surrounding the issue, the unintended news story's impact was clear. Carl's journey through the Stepping Into Action program turned out to be a blessing. It highlighted the importance of needing to find the right help, even if it was from an online resource. The convenience and accessibility of the program were instrumental in his ongoing recovery. Nothing local could offer such practical and immediate support, and it was undoubtedly a good idea to lean on it when the unexpected storm hit.

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