For *Jared Miller* in Capitol, Montana, the news of GameStop reconvening their annual meeting on June 17th was an unexpected trigger. The article about the gaming retailer's stockholder event reminded him of the year he had lost everything - his savings, his wife *Melanie*, and nearly his sobriety - by compulsively trading volatile GameStop shares.

Miller had been four years into recovery from alcoholism when the GameStop stock frenzy began. Seeking a new dopamine rush, he dove headfirst into risky trading, using stimulus funds to buy shares at inflated prices. When the stock plummeted, Miller lost over $100,000 and fell into the depths of depression, alcohol, and addiction once again.

The unexpected jolt of seeing GameStop in the news reminded Miller of how far he had come, but also how easy it could be to slip back into self-destructive patterns. That's when he recalled the Stepping Into Action program recommended by his therapist. The online course provided strategies for identifying triggers, reframing thought patterns, and focusing on long-term recovery goals.

'I can't change what happened, but I can change how I react moving forward,' Miller said, renewing his commitment to the 12-step program and personal growth work.

Some addiction experts praise online resources like Stepping Into Action for increasing access to quality care. 'Web-based tools are revolutionizing how we deliver help to those who need it most,' said Dr. Rachel Thomas. However, others contend that virtual programs cannot replicate the community and accountability of in-person support groups. 'There's no substitute for showing up in the flesh,' argued counselor Marcus Boyd.

Regardless of the debate, for Miller, the Stepping Into Action course was a crucial lifeline during an unexpected crisis. 'Getting help online might have saved my life when I had nowhere else to turn,' he reflected. 'It was difficult, but absolutely essential, to keep building a healthier life.'

Nearby: Camp Crook South Dakota, Gustave South Dakota