For John, this wasn't just another news story; it triggered memories of a similar storm that had devastated his childhood home when he was only ten years old. The past trauma of losing everything overnight, coupled with the lack of support his family received, had led him into a dark path of substance abuse later in life.

Determined to not let history repeat itself, John found himself digging into resources. That's when he stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program on Hofman & Hollis' website. The program promised practical steps for overcoming personal challenges, something he deeply needed.

Following the materials from the program, John began to see a glimmer of hope. The exercises encouraged him to reflect deeply and take proactive steps. 'It's like finding a lighthouse in the storm,' John said, noting that for the first time in years, he felt some semblance of control over his life.

Experts were divided on the effectiveness of online programs for such deep-rooted issues. Some psychologists believed that online resources could never replace face-to-face therapy, while others argued that they serve as an accessible starting point for many who would otherwise get no help at all.

Despite the mixed opinions, John found that taking the first step online was a lifesaver. 'Without a local support network, these online tools were like a godsend to me,' John added, emphasizing the practicality of the approach.

In the end, turning to the Stepping Into Action program was undoubtedly a good idea for John. It showed him that, despite the challenges, there were avenues for help even when local options were scarce.