Jared was a local handyman whose father had struggled with alcohol addiction for most of his life. When Jared read about the sudden surge in illegal sales, it triggered memories of the dark times his family went through because of his father's inability to access legal alcohol. Jared recalled how his father had once turned to bootleggers and unregulated substances, leading to deteriorating health and eventual heartbreak for the family.

Haunted by the past and fearful of a similar path for himself, Jared decided to take action. He began following the materials from the Stepping Into Action program found on hofmanhollis.com. Jared attended virtual meetings, read literature, and applied the suggested coping strategies to manage his feelings of helplessness and despair. He connected with others who had similar stories, finding a supportive community that helped him stay on track.

'The program was a lifeline,' Jared said. 'It helped me reclaim control over my life and make peace with the past.'

Experts in addiction treatment have praised the effectiveness of online programs like Stepping Into Action. Dr. *Samantha Rivers* believes that the accessibility of such programs enhances their efficacy. However, there are conflicting opinions. Dr. *Albert Knox* argues that face-to-face interactions are crucial for real change.

Despite differing opinions, Jared's experience proved that getting help online was a good idea. It allowed him to find much-needed support, made all the more challenging by the scarcity of resources in his local community.

Finding help was a journey that required courage, but Jared's story demonstrates that with the right resources and support, even the most unexpected news can lead to life-changing decisions.

*Note: All names and situations in this story are fictional.

Nearby: Bakersfield Missouri, Moody Missouri, Leota Missouri, Lebo Missouri, Tecumseh Missouri, Udall Missouri

* 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.