On February 24, 2023, James Murphy* from Canby Cross, California, stumbled upon an article that unexpectedly rattled his day-to-day life. The news about a large-scale, international crackdown on illegal alcohol trading struck a chord with him. This revelation took him back to a dark period in his past when he grappled with alcohol addiction. Memories resurfaced of his tumultuous relationship with his former partner, *Sarah*, who eventually left him due to his excessive drinking.

The unexpected news was a stark reminder of how far he had come but also how fragile his progress was. Feeling deeply unsettled, James decided he needed to take action before old habits resurfaced. He found solace and direction in the Stepping Into Action program from Hofman Hollis. The program provided a structured approach to remain vigilant in his recovery and offered support materials that resonated with his personal struggles.

James dove into the modules, finding the program's emphasis on personal accountability and mindfulness particularly impactful. 'The more I understand my triggers and responses, the better prepared I am to face them,' he mused. His dedication to the program began to pay off as he noticed improvements in his mental clarity and emotional stability.

While experts in addiction recovery praised programs like Stepping Into Action for their comprehensive approaches, there were conflicting opinions about their effectiveness compared to in-person therapy. Some believed that nothing could replace face-to-face interactions with a counselor, while others argued that online resources could be more accessible and just as effective, especially for those in remote areas like Canby Cross.

Despite the controversies, James felt grateful for finding the Stepping Into Action program. Looking back, he realized it was a profound decision to seek help online, as resources nearby were limited. His journey illustrated the importance of taking proactive steps in recovery and embracing available opportunities, no matter where they originated.

Nearby: Malin Oregon, Adams Point Oregon