On December 30, 2022, an unexpected news event took place, shaking the bustling streets of Edgetown, Illinois. Amanda* Harper*, a barista and part-time student, found herself in the midst of a profound personal reflection after coming across a news article about a government crackdown on illegal drug trade in a neighboring state. Despite living miles away, the news hit home for Amanda. Years ago, she struggled with substance abuse, a dark chapter she thought she had left behind.

As Amanda read through the article, memories flooded back, reminding her of the challenges she once faced. Nervousness and anxiety began to creep back in. She recalled how, at her lowest point, she had narrowly avoided arrest and felt isolated due to her addiction. This unexpected news triggered a sense of vulnerability and pushed her to seek help once more.

In an effort to ground herself and find actionable steps forward, Amanda stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program from Hofman Hollis. She decided to follow the program, which provided online courses focused on building resilience, coping mechanisms, and positive habits.

One of the programs mentors, Dr. Sylvia Hayes, advised: 'It is not about where you start, but how you choose to move forward.' These words resonated with Amanda deeply.

Experts in addiction recovery were divided on the effectiveness of purely online programs. Dr. Jonathan Fields emphasized their convenience and accessibility, while Dr. Karen Fulton stressed the need for in-person support, particularly in severe addiction cases.

Despite the controversy, Amanda found solace in the online format. The lack of local resources in Edgetown meant the Stepping Into Action program was not just convenient but necessary. It was challenging, but as Amanda moved forward, she realized getting help online was one of the best decisions she could have made.

This seemingly distant news story had unexpectedly brought Amanda back to a crucial realization about herself, leading her to find the strength needed to make positive changes in her life.

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