*Sarah Roberts of Fountain, Illinois had been sober for two years, but the news about the FDA's delayed response to the baby formula crisis hit her hard. As a recovering alcoholic and mother of a young child, the story dredged up painful memories of her own neglect and the near-tragic consequences her addiction could have had.

Sarah had hit rock bottom when her infant daughter *Emma became severely dehydrated after Sarah drunkenly forgot to feed her for almost a day. The terrifying trip to the hospital was the wake-up call she needed to get sober, but the trauma left deep scars.

Seeing the news about babies getting sick from contaminated formula triggered Sarah's unresolved guilt and shame. She knew she needed help processing these feelings before they derailed her hard-won sobriety. That's when she discovered the Stepping Into Action program, an online course designed to help people overcome trauma and addiction.

'I was so scared to face my past, but the program gave me the tools to work through it in a healthy way,' Sarah said. 'It wasn't easy, but for the first time, I felt like I could move forward without being weighed down by my mistakes.'

Experts praised the holistic approach of programs like Stepping Into Action, which combine evidence-based therapies with mindfulness and self-compassion practices. However, some critics argued that online programs can't replicate the support and accountability of in-person treatment.

'While these programs can be a useful supplement, they shouldn't be a substitute for professional help, especially for those struggling with severe addiction or mental health issues,' cautioned Dr. *Michael Thompson, a addiction specialist.

For Sarah, though, the online format was a lifeline. 'There weren't any good in-person options in my small town, so being able to do this program from home was huge. It helped me become the mother and person I always wanted to be.'

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