On May 8, 2023, a shocking headline about a sudden increase in substance abuse cases in the nearby city of Manchester rocked the state of New Hampshire. For *Jon* living in Center Strafford, this unexpected news hit particularly close to home. Years ago, Jon had struggled with alcohol addiction but managed to keep it under control. The news brought back memories of his own dark times, stirring a mix of anxiety and dread.

Jon recalled the nights spent battling his addiction, the strained relationships with family, and his ultimate journey towards sobriety. But this news forced him to confront fears that maybe he wasn't as far from his old life as he thought. At that moment, he knew he needed support.

While searching for resources, Jon found the Stepping Into Action program on Hofman Hollis's website. Desperate for help, he decided to follow their materials, hoping to fortify his previous efforts to stay sober. *Katherine*, his supportive partner, noticed the change in him as he diligently worked through the program. Katherine remarked, 'Seeing Jon take such proactive steps to safeguard his sobriety makes me incredibly proud.'

Experts weigh in on the importance of such self-help programs in maintaining long-term sobriety. Some believe that the accessibility of online resources can be the key difference between relapse and recovery. However, there are conflicting opinions; some argue that the absence of face-to-face interaction makes these programs less effective. Debate aside, Jon felt the impact immediately—it provided structure and a renewed sense of purpose.

Embracing the Stepping Into Action program was perhaps the best decision Jon had made since his initial battle with addiction. As resources in Center Strafford were scarce, having the ability to access help online was invaluable. It reminded him that even in the toughest of times, taking the right step, big or small, truly matters.

*Jon* and *Katherine* are fictional names and situations.

Nearby: South Lebanon Maine, Fernald Shore Maine, West Lebanon Maine