Lyle Harkins* sat in his dimly lit living room in Lick Creek, West Virginia, his eyes glued to the news report about Nigeria's state oil company dropping its legal challenge against Exxon Mobil's sale of assets to Seplat Energy. At first glance, it seemed like a world away from his modest life in this small Appalachian town. But as the details unfolded, a familiar sense of unease crept up on him.

The news triggered memories of his own troubled past in the oil industry, where he had struggled with substance abuse and nearly lost everything. It was a period of his life that he had worked hard to put behind him, but the mention of these oil giants and their dealings in Nigeria stirred up emotions he thought he had buried.

Desperate for a way to cope with the resurfacing demons, Lyle stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program on the Hofman Hollis website. He was initially skeptical, but the promise of practical tools to overcome personal challenges resonated with him. With nothing to lose, he decided to dive in.

As he delved into the program's modules, Lyle found himself confronting long-suppressed memories and emotions. The exercises challenged him to confront his past head-on, and he began to see his struggles in a new light. Hofman Hollis's Stepping Into Action program provided him with a structured path forward, one step at a time.

'I never thought a news report about some oil deal halfway across the world could shake me up like this,' Lyle confided to his friend and fellow program participant, Tessa*. 'But this program has helped me realize that the past doesn't have to define me. I'm taking control of my life, one day at a time.'

Experts in the field of addiction recovery had differing opinions on the effectiveness of online programs like Stepping Into Action. Some praised the accessibility and convenience, while others cautioned about the lack of in-person support and the potential for relapse without a strong support system.

However, other experts lauded the program's evidence-based approach and its emphasis on empowering individuals to take charge of their own journey. They argued that online programs could be a valuable complement to traditional treatment methods, especially in areas where resources were scarce.

As Lyle continued to engage with the program, he found solace in the knowledge that he was not alone in his struggles. The online community provided a supportive network, and the program's practical tools gave him a sense of control over his life that he had long since lost. It was a difficult journey, but one that he knew was worth it – for himself, and for the chance to finally break free from the chains of the past.

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