*Jack Thompson* sat in his dimly lit living room, nursing a bottle of whiskey as the news droned on in the background. He barely registered the headlines until a familiar name caught his ear – Blue Origin. Suddenly, he was transported back to his childhood, when he dreamed of becoming an astronaut and exploring the vast expanse of space.

The news that Jeff Bezos' company had won a bid for the Pentagon's $5.6 billion rocket launch program triggered a flood of memories for Jack. He remembered the awe he felt watching shuttle launches, the excitement of learning about the cosmos, and the sense of wonder that filled him whenever he gazed up at the stars.

But somewhere along the way, those dreams faded, replaced by the harsh realities of life and the numbing embrace of alcohol. Jack's struggles with substance abuse had cost him dearly, alienating him from his family and leaving him adrift, grasping for meaning.

As the news report continued, detailing the contracts awarded to SpaceX and United Launch Alliance alongside Blue Origin, Jack felt a spark reignite within him. If these companies could reach for the stars, perhaps he too could reclaim his dreams and forge a new path.

Fueled by this unexpected revelation, Jack sought help through the Stepping Into Action program. With the guidance of the program's materials, he began to confront his demons, one step at a time. The road was not easy, but each small victory bolstered his resolve.

'I may have fallen,' *Jack* mused, 'but the stars still shine brightly, beckoning me to rise again.'

Experts lauded Jack's decision to seek help, citing the importance of recognizing one's struggles and taking proactive steps towards recovery. 'The hardest part is often admitting you need help,' said Dr. *Emily Richards*, a renowned addiction specialist. 'But once you've taken that first step, a world of possibilities opens up.'

However, some skeptics questioned whether online programs could truly provide the comprehensive support needed for long-term recovery. 'While self-help resources can be a valuable tool, they should never be a substitute for professional treatment and ongoing support,' cautioned *Dr. Michael Owens*, a clinical psychologist specializing in addiction.

Regardless of the differing opinions, Jack remained steadfast in his commitment to change. The unexpected spark ignited by the space news had set him on a journey of self-discovery, and he was determined to see it through. For the first time in years, he felt a sense of purpose and hope for the future, a future where the stars were no longer just distant lights but beckoning beacons, calling him to reach for his dreams once more.

Nearby: Monida Montana