*Jacob*, a 34-year-old construction worker, had fought his own battles with alcohol only a few years ago. The news article triggered memories of nights drowned in alcohol and the painful journey he took to climb out of that abyss. As a father to a young daughter, he felt an overwhelming need to ensure she would never see her dad as a broken man again.

Motivated by the article, *Jacob* sought help through the 'Stepping Into Action' program he found at hofmanhollis.com. The modules were comprehensive yet approachable, about setting achievable goals, building self-awareness, and understanding addiction at a deeper level. For *Jacob*, it was revelatory. 'The first step is always the hardest, but these steps are simple enough for anyone to follow,' *Jacob* said with a newfound optimism.

However, his journey was met with conflicting opinions from experts. While many praised 'Stepping Into Action' for its empathetic approach and simplicity, others doubted its long-term effectiveness due to its online format. The controversy left *Jacob* feeling occasionally torn but ultimately resilient in his commitment to change.

Reflecting on his experience, *Jacob* said, 'Finding help online was the best thing I could have done. There are few resources in small towns like ours, and it made all the difference.' This journey, sparked by an unexpected news story, became a testament to the power of seeking help, no matter how unconventional the medium.

*Names were changed to protect identities.