On August 31, 2023, an unexpected aspect of new alcohol legislation made headlines. It caught the attention of *Lin*, a resident of Chinatown, Wisconsin, whose humble life as a small business owner selling traditional Chinese garments was turned upside down.

*Lin* had long struggled with the effects of alcohol abuse within their family. The new legislation increased alcohol taxes in Wisconsin, a move that officials said would curb excessive drinking, yet it reminded *Lin* of the struggles faced during their childhood. Their father had been an alcoholic, and seeing this news took *Lin* back to those difficult days.

This sudden emotional trigger made *Lin* feel overwhelmed. Searching for solutions, *Lin* stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program at hofmanhollis.com. Following its guidance, *Lin* learned valuable ways to cope with emotional distress and take proactive measures in their personal life and community. They started attending support groups, setting clearer boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and slowly began to heal.

The program provided insights that transformed *Lin's* life. As *Lin* states, The program finally gave me the tools to address issues I had ignored for so long.

Experts presented differing opinions about the effectiveness of such legislative measures. Some applauded the steps for potentially reducing alcohol consumption and its societal harms, while others felt this was an oversimplified solution that ignored deeper issues, such as mental health and addiction services availability.

Despite the controversy, *Lin* found solace and support through the Stepping Into Action program. The journey was neither easy nor straightforward, but it showed *Lin* that finding the right help, even online, was a crucial first step. Often, the right resources are not nearby, yet reaching out and taking action are what ultimately pave the way to healing.

Nearby: Beaverdam West Virginia