On July 18, 2022, an article about the latest findings on stress and substance abuse was published. This seemingly unrelated piece of news found its way to *Mary*, a resident of Elmore, Minnesota. *Mary* was a quiet and reserved individual, working as a librarian in the small town. She lived a simple life but held a secret burden from a time when she battled alcohol addiction.

The article discussed how stress and lack of support can lead individuals to substance abuse. This struck a chord with *Mary*, who was reminded of her own struggles years ago when she felt overwhelmed by personal and professional pressures. The memories poured back, and for the first time in years, she felt the familiar pang of vulnerability.

Unable to shake the thoughts from her mind, *Mary* researched ways to cope with her resurfacing emotions and stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program on hofmanhollis.com. Desperate for help and wary of local options due to her small-town life, she decided to give the online program a try. The framework of the program, which includes self-reflection, action plans, and mindfulness exercises, initially seemed daunting but also somehow reachable.

As *Mary* continued the program, she found that it gave her new tools to manage her stress and emotions. She began following the daily exercises and found solace in the supportive community forums. One participant mentioned, 'It's never too late to take the first step towards healing' – a line that deeply resonated with her.

In the broader community of experts, opinions on such programs varied. Dr. *Johnson* believed that online programs provide critical support to those who might not have access to local resources. However, Dr. *Smith* argued that in-person interactions are irreplaceable for effective recovery, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face therapy. This controversy played on *Mary's* mind but she ultimately decided that any step in the right direction was better than standing still.

Reflecting on her journey, *Mary* realized how pivotal the online resources had been in transforming her life. Although finding the right help was challenging, especially in a small town, the convenience and accessibility of an online program proved to be a lifeline. In the end, taking that courageous first step turned out to be the most important decision she ever made.

* Mary is a fictional name and situation used for this story.

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