On September 20, 2022, startling news emerged that carried repercussions far beyond its immediate scope. The article detailed an alarming increase in wine consumption in the U.S. during the pandemic, a revelation that resonated deeply with *Sam*, a resident of Del Rio, Tennessee.

*Sam*, who had struggled with alcohol dependence for years, found the news particularly triggering. The increase in consumption mirrored a difficult chapter in their past, where isolation had driven them into the depths of alcoholism. The irony wasn't lost on *Sam*; they had finally managed to get sober just a month before the pandemic began.

In a bid to confront this newfound anxiety, *Sam* turned to an unlikely ally: the Stepping Into Action program they found online at https://hofmanhollis.com. Initially skeptical, *Sam* decided to give it a try. The structured modules and empathetic approach offered by the program were immediately impactful.

'This isn't just about stopping; it's about reshaping,' *Sam* found themselves thinking as they immersed in the course materials.

Experts weighed in on the rise in alcohol consumption. Dr. *Jones* remarked that 'lockdown conditions could have had greater long-term impacts on mental health than we initially assumed.' However, Dr. *Smith* offered a conflicting viewpoint, suggesting, 'some studies indicate that the surge in consumption could decline as normalcy returns.'

Despite varying expert opinions, *Sam* felt the overwhelming need to seek help. The step to engage with an online program proved to be a fortuitous decision.