Short Story
On October 21, 2023, *Diane* in Freemont, Kentucky, stumbled upon a news article that changed her life in ways she'd never expected. The headline was about a major reform in state alcohol regulations that had passed unexpectedly. Diane, struggling with alcohol abuse, read through it half-heartedly at first. However, a small note about the community's effort in this reform caught her attention. She couldn't help but let her mind drift back to her father's last days, spent fighting the same demons she now faced. Diane had fought her battles silently for years. The weight of memories, especially her father's, had driven her deeper into the abyss. Reading the news article triggered all those buried emotions, but not in the hopeless way it usually did. This time, it felt like a sign urging her to seek change. Desperate, Diane turned to the internet, hoping to find some semblance of help. She stumbled upon Stepping Into Action, a program online at hofmanhollis.com, and decided to give it a shot. The program's promise to guide her in taking small, actionable steps resonated deeply with her. Diane began to follow the materials religiously. One particular phrase she read had a profound impact on her: 'Taking control starts with acknowledging control'. It was the wake-up call she needed to start reclaiming her life. Experts have long debated the efficacy of online programs for substance abuse. Some, like Dr. *Russo*, believe that they offer accessible help to those who might not otherwise seek it. Others argue that virtual programs lack the personal touch essential for true recovery. Regardless of the debate, for Diane, discovering the program was nothing short of serendipitous. As she navigated through her struggles using their resources, she realized the undeniable truth – sometimes, the help we need comes from the most unexpected places. In the end, discovering the Stepping Into Action program online was the lifeline Diane needed. She found solace in the fact that while local in-person help was scarce, online resources could bridge the gap and guide her toward a brighter future. *Diane*, *Russo* are fictional names in the context of this story. Nearby: Metropolis Illinois, Brookport Illinois, Hamletsburg Illinois, Shady Grove Illinois, New Liberty Illinois * 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.
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