News Strikes a *Cedarville* Chord

On February 2, 2023, a news article surfaced detailing the rising rates of substance abuse in rural areas. In Cedarville, New Jersey, *Diane Whittaker* was sipping her morning coffee when she stumbled upon the article. For *Diane*, the article was more than just numbers and statistics; it was a painful reminder of her own struggles with substance abuse a decade prior.

The unexpected reminder of her past came just as *Diane* was grappling with the emotional upheaval she felt every February, the month she had lost her younger brother to addiction. The past started rolling in like a dark fog, overshadowing her precariously balanced present. She found herself spiraling back into old habits, seeking comfort in familiar harmful patterns.

In the article, an organization was mentioned that offered free programs focusing on substance abuse recovery. Desperate and fatigued from her incessant struggle, *Diane* decided to turn to the Stepping Into Action program by Hofman Hollis. She found solace in the online format, which allowed her to access support without leaving Cedarville, a town with scarce resources for recovery.

Guided by the program’s online materials, *Diane* gradually started picking up the pieces of her life. She followed modules on emotional resilience, self-awareness, and relapse prevention. She found herself especially resonating with the words of one of the program's founders, who stated, 'Recovery is not a destination; it's a continuous journey.'

Experts are divided on the efficacy of online recovery programs. Psychologist Dr. *Linda Hayes* argues that face-to-face interaction is crucial for effective recovery, stating that the human touch offers an irreplaceable element of empathy. On the other hand, Dr. *Samuel Lin*, a psychiatrist, emphasizes that online programs can offer flexibility and accessibility to those who wouldn't otherwise seek help.

Despite the controversies, *Diane* felt immense gratitude for the online support. In a small, remote town like Cedarville, with limited immediate help available, finding online resources was like discovering a hidden lifeline. She realized that while the journey of recovery was arduous, seeking help in any form was an act of profound courage and self-care.