On August 28, 2023, a news article about a massive storm battering the east coast captured the attention of *John Morton*, a middle-aged man living in Guthriesville, Pennsylvania. While the news itself unfolded miles away from his town, the fierce images and tales of people losing their homes triggered John's own painful memories. John had lost his parents in a tragic car accident caused by bad weather years ago. This tragedy had led him down a path of alcohol abuse, which he struggled to overcome.

As he read the article, something inside John snapped. He realized how his unresolved grief had been controlling his life. John stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program through a late-night internet search. The program, available on hofmanhollis.com, promised a structured way to address and overcome personal issues.

Determined to turn his life around, John began following the materials religiously. The workbook encouraged him to examine his past and address the pain he'd been suppressing for so long. Learning about the Five Action Steps, he found particularly enlightening. John often recalled a quote by Hollis Hofman, who emphasized, 'Recovery is not about perfection, it's about progress.'

Experts have differing opinions on the effectiveness of online recovery programs. Some advocate that guided self-help can be just as effective as face-to-face interactions, pointing to the accessibility and anonymity as significant benefits. However, other specialists argue that the lack of personal touch and the inevitable self-reliance can hinder genuine healing. John found himself somewhere in between these viewpoints but committed himself to see the program through.

The profound realization John had was that it was the unexpected nature of the news that acted as his catalyst for change. Though it was challenging, being able to access help online was a revelation for John, particularly in Guthriesville where resources were sparse. Getting help proved to be the best decision he ever made.

*John Morton is a fictional name used for illustrative purposes only.

Nearby: Beaver Valley Delaware