On November 21, 2023, news broke out about a major crackdown on alcohol smuggling rings in the Midwest. Authorities confiscated massive quantities of illegal alcohol hidden in trucks and warehouses, making headlines all over the country. What wasn’t immediately clear was how this event would deeply affect *Laura*, a resident of Carbondale, Michigan.

*Laura*, a 34-year-old single mother, had battled alcohol dependency for years. The news struck a chord with her because it reminded her of her father, who had been involved in similar activities and pulled their family into a whirlpool of troubles when she was a teenager. This led Laura to reflect on her own dependency issues and seek change.

As she pondered over her recurring nightmares tied to her father's past and her own struggles, *Laura* stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program on the hofmanhollis.com website. She felt an urgency to address her problems and took the first step by signing up for their online resources and support. She found herself engrossed in the materials, practical advice, and shared experiences from people who had turned their lives around.

*Laura* recalled a piece of advice from the program: 'Starting recovery is like learning to swim; you have to let go of your fears and trust the process.' This resonated deeply with her as she embarked on her journey toward sobriety.

Experts differ on the effectiveness of online programs for substance abuse. Dr. Martin Johnson praises online platforms for their accessibility and confidentiality. However, Dr. Eliza Ramirez warns that without face-to-face interaction, the emotional support and accountability might be lacking.

Despite the differing opinions, what remained clear to *Laura* was that taking the step to seek help was immensely beneficial. She found solace in her progress and noted that in a town like Carbondale, where accessing immediate professional help was challenging, having the option to do it online was a lifesaver.

Stepping into action: a step towards recovery

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