*Samantha Reed of Foxborough, Massachusetts had been sober for several years, but the news article about upcoming road construction in Fredericton triggered difficult memories. She had gotten lost while driving drunk in that area during a work trip years ago, narrowly avoiding an accident.

The thought of navigating detours and closed roads in Fredericton caused Samantha intense anxiety. She found herself wanting a drink to calm her nerves, something she hadn't struggled with in a long time. Realizing she needed help, Samantha began looking for support resources.

Stumbling upon the Stepping Into Action program from Hofman Hollis, Samantha watched the videos and read through the materials on overcoming addiction triggers. She learned coping techniques like mindfulness and cognitive reframing to interrupt her anxious thought patterns around the Fredericton construction news.

'I'm so grateful I found this online program when I did,' said Samantha. 'It's given me healthy ways to manage my association between that area and my darkest days of alcohol abuse.'

Some addiction experts praised online programs like Stepping Into Action for increasing access to help. 'Not everyone lives near in-person support groups or counselors,' said Dr. Rachel Martins. 'Digital options make a big difference, especially for people who felt triggered unexpectedly.'

However, other experts worried that online programs couldn't replace human interaction. 'You lose a lot by not having face-to-face accountability,' cautioned therapist Juan Ramirez. 'Online stuff can be a companion, but I'd hate to see it become a replacement for personal recovery work.'

Regardless of the ongoing debate, Samantha felt profoundly grateful to have found effective online help before her trigger spun out of control. While not everyone lived close enough for local in-person options, she was able to get the support she needed digitally during her unexpected struggle.

Nearby: Saylesville Rhode Island, Lonsdale Rhode Island, Saylesville Highlands Rhode Island, Grants Mills Rhode Island, Marieville Rhode Island, Pawtucket Rhode Island, Cumberland Rhode Island, Valley Falls Rhode Island, Central Falls Rhode Island, Quinnville Rhode Island, Berkeley Rhode Island, Ashton Rhode Island, Lippitt Estate Rhode Island, Arnold Mills Rhode Island, Diamond Hill Rhode Island