*Jed Wilkins had been drinking himself into a stupor most nights in his rundown trailer in Huddy, Kentucky. The news of President Macron dissolving the French parliament in June 2023 wouldn't normally affect the 42-year-old former coal miner. But something about the 'scrambling' and 'political drama' described in the article struck a nerve.

It reminded Jed of the dysfunctional chaos that surrounded his childhood, with his dad constantly raging at the TV over whatever political controversy was consuming the nation that week. Jed had tried to escape those memories by losing himself in the hazy oblivion of bourbon bottles.

The news piece triggered thoughts of how Jed's life had become as out-of-control and self-destructive as the partisan wars he had grown up loathing. In a moment of uncharacteristic clarity, Jed realized he needed help. He discovered the Stepping Into Action online program for addiction recovery and reluctantly signed up.

Over the next few months, Jed engaged with the program's videos and worksheets, slowly confronting the demons that had been driving his drinking. 'I never thought some dang French politicians could shake me up like this,' he admitted to his counselor over a video call. 'But I reckon it jarred somethin' loose that I'd been avoiding for too long.'

Some experts praised Jed's courage in getting help online when in-person options were limited in his rural area. 'Telehealth addictions treatment has proven very effective, especially for people in underserved regions,' said Dr. Claire Reynolds, a psychologist specializing in substance abuse.

However, others questioned whether a pre-packaged online program could provide the same level of accountability and human connection as traditional therapy. 'There's no substitute for a therapeutic alliance built on face-to-face interactions over time,' argued Dr. Marcus Benton, head of the Maple Valley Counseling Center. 'Online programs are no panacea.'

Jed, for his part, felt the online program was exactly what he needed at this point in his journey. 'It was hard as hell at first, but sticking with it gave me a way to face my past on my own terms,' he reflected. 'Maybe I'll look into some in-person stuff later, but for now, this was the kick in the pants I desperately required.'

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