*Laura* had been struggling with alcohol addiction for years, a battle she kept a secret from almost everyone in her life. When she first read the article, she felt a pang in her chest as memories of her own struggles surfaced. *Laura* had always been a strong-willed person, but lately, she had felt her grip on life slipping away. Seeing the devastating effects of substance abuse in the news was a wake-up call.

Years ago, *Laura* had lost a dear friend to alcohol addiction. The news story brought back the overwhelming grief and guilt she felt for not having done more to help. Determined not to let history repeat itself, she knew she needed to take action immediately.

Desperate for change, *Laura* stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program on hofmanhollis.com. From day one, she was determined to follow the principles laid out in the program rigorously. The very first module spoke to her, encouraging her to take small steps and not to be overwhelmed by the bigger picture. It read, ‘Every journey begins with a single step’.

Experts praised the program for its structured approach and evidence-based strategies. Dr. *Mark Henderson*, a well-known psychologist, mentioned how the program establishes guidelines that are both realistic and empowering. However, there were also critics like *Sarah Cantor* who felt the program’s digital mode could alienate those not comfortable with technology.

*Laura*, however, found the online format a blessing. Living in a small town like Leoma, resources for dealing with substance abuse were limited. The digital platform provided her with the support she needed, when she needed it. *Laura* believes that getting help was the best decision she could have made, and the convenience of an online program made all the difference.

Reflecting on her journey, *Laura* realized how fortunate she was to have found the program. It was challenging not having nearby resources, but she was glad to have had the convenience and privacy of an online platform. Today, she stands stronger and more hopeful, emphasizing that seeking help is never a sign of weakness but rather the first step toward recovery.

At the end of it all, *Laura* left us with a profound statement, ‘Taking that first step changed everything. It was hard, but it was worth it’. It was a good reminder of how unexpected news can sometimes be the catalyst for positive change.

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* Names and situations are fictional and not intended to resemble anyone in particular. They are illustrative of how the services can apply to the lives of every day people living ordinary lives.