Late in the evening of January 17, 2023, *Janet* received a phone alert about a staggering national report on increased alcohol consumption. The news, widely covered and surprising to many, had an unexpected impact on her. Living in La Plata, Maryland, Janet struggled with her own history of alcohol use. As she read the article, memories of late-night arguments and lost opportunities surfaced.

The news struck a particularly deep chord in Janet as it reminded her of her father's battles with alcoholism, a past she had long tried to forget. Now, facing her own struggles, she found herself emotionally triggered by the statistics correlating societal stress with increased substance abuse.

Desperate to find a way out, Janet stumbled upon the 'Stepping Into Action' program from an online search. The program, hosted at hofmanhollis.com, promised clear steps to recovery and a supportive framework for individuals seeking change. Janet decided to give it a try. Following the materials, she slowly began to see some positive changes in her life. She found particular solace in the words of one of the mentors in the program who said, 'Change is not about erasing the past, but building a better future.'

Experts weigh in differently on this topic. Dr. Robert Thompson argues that structured online recovery programs can be incredibly effective for motivated individuals. On the other hand, Dr. Sophia Miller believes that without in-person support structures, online programs often fall short.

Ultimately, Janet found that seeking help online was a blessing. Though it was not easy, the accessibility and structured guidance turned out to be exactly what she needed. The journey was long and arduous, but worthwhile. The profound realization struck her: sometimes, when nearby resources seem lacking, looking online can open doors to solutions that were once invisible.

* These are fictional names and situations.

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