Years ago, Lena had struggled with similar issues within her family. The unexpected news brought back a flood of memories, each more painful than the last. She remembered how her father would come home late, the stench of alcohol strong and his temper even stronger.

Desperate for a change, Lena turned to the Stepping Into Action program she found on hofmanhollis.com. Intrigued and somewhat hopeful, she began to follow the materials diligently. 'The first step is acknowledging you're not alone,' said one of the program leaders. Lena felt a sense of belonging and hope for the first time in years.

The experts had mixed opinions on the rise in alcohol abuse. Dr. *Anna Wellington* noted that 'increased stress levels during the pandemic have spurred this troubling rise,' while Dr. *Michael Carter* countered that 'media exaggeration is making the problem seem worse than it is.'

Conflicting opinions aside, Lena found the online program helpful and convenient. In a profound realization, she thought, 'Getting help was the best decision I've ever made, and it seems that sometimes, the only guidance accessible is through an online platform.'

*Lena* is a fictional character created for this story. So are Dr. *Anna Wellington* and Dr. *Michael Carter.*

Nearby: Greenridge New York, Oakwood Heights Station New York, Fresh Kills New York, Staten Island New York

* Names and situations are fictional and not intended to resemble anyone in particular. They are illustrative of how the services can apply to the lives of every day people living ordinary lives.