*Mary* sat at the bar in Huckleberry, Maryland, nursing her third whiskey of the evening. The news played on the TV overhead, but she wasn't really watching until a story about the Washington Nationals' bullpen caught her attention. Memories of her late father's love for baseball came flooding back, reminding her of the days when they would watch games together, cheering on the Nats.

The news article triggered something deep within Mary, dredging up emotions she had long tried to drown with alcohol. She thought back to the day her father passed away, and how she had turned to the bottle to cope with her grief. What started as an occasional drink had spiraled into a full-blown addiction, and Mary knew she needed help.

After stumbling home that night, Mary confided in her friend *Tom* about her struggles. Tom suggested they try the Stepping Into Action program, which promised to help people overcome addiction and find a path to recovery. Skeptical but desperate, Mary agreed.

Over the next few weeks, Mary and Tom worked through the program's lessons, learning coping mechanisms and confronting the traumas that had led them down this path. 'I never realized how much my father's death had affected me,' Mary admitted during one of their sessions. 'But now I understand that I can't keep running from my pain.'

'You're doing the right thing by seeking help,' Tom reassured her. 'It's not easy, but it's worth it.'

As they delved deeper into the program, Mary and Tom encountered conflicting opinions from experts on the best approach to recovery. Some advocated for complete abstinence, while others believed in moderation. The conflicting advice was confusing, but Mary knew she had to find what worked best for her.

With the support of Tom and the guidance of the Stepping Into Action program, Mary began to make progress. She attended online meetings and learned techniques to manage her cravings. It wasn't easy, but she was determined to overcome her addiction and reclaim her life.

Experts agreed that seeking help, whether online or in-person, was crucial for those struggling with addiction. 'The most important thing is to take that first step,' one expert said. 'Recovery is a journey, and it's different for everyone.'

As Mary neared the end of the program, she reflected on how far she had come. 'I never thought I'd be able to break free from the grip of alcoholism,' she mused. 'But thanks to the help I received, I've been able to confront my demons and find a path forward.'

While the road ahead was still long, Mary knew she had the tools and support she needed to stay sober. And although it had been difficult to find nearby resources, she was grateful for the opportunity to work through the Stepping Into Action program online. It had given her the strength and courage to face her struggles head-on, and for that, she would be forever grateful.

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