On November 23, 2022, Jim Fisher* of Collinsville, Virginia, came across a startling news article that dramatically altered his life. While it may have seemed like an ordinary news story to most, it hit Jim hard because it echoed something from his own past.

Thirty years ago, Jim had lost his father in a tragic accident involving substance abuse. The news of a local initiative being launched to combat alcohol and substance misuse triggered a tidal wave of emotion. That story's unexpected resonance brought all Jim's buried memories and unresolved feelings to the surface.

Struggling to cope, Jim decided to take control of his life. While surfing the internet, he stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program on the Hofman Hollis website. Desperate for help, he decided to give it a try. The structured steps and practical advice offered in the program began to seep into Jim's daily routines.

Several weeks into the program, Jim found himself resonating deeply with one particular statement, Motivation may be what starts you off, but commitment is what gets you across the finish line. This quote became his daily mantra.

Opinions about such programs were mixed. Some experts praised the effectiveness of structured online programs, highlighting how they made professional help accessible to people who might otherwise be isolated. Others doubted their efficacy, arguing that in-person interactions were irreplaceable for true emotional support.

However, for Jim, the online program proved to be a lifeline. It offered him the tools he needed to make positive changes and the support he craved. Finding help online was initially daunting, but it turned out to be the best decision he ever made.

Stepping Into Action gave Jim a chance to rebuild his life, demonstrating just how critical it is to seek help—even if it's not easy to find close by.

Nearby: Price North Carolina, Amostown North Carolina