Emily had struggled with alcohol dependency during the early months of 2020, coping poorly with the isolation and stress the pandemic had brought. She had eventually sought help and had been sober for nearly two years. Unexpectedly, seeing the rise in new cases brought back a wave of emotions.

The article triggered memories of her past, specifically her harmful coping mechanisms during challenging times. It was a painful reminder of how far she had come and how easily she could slip back without support.

Determined to maintain her sobriety, Emily turned to the *Stepping Into Action* program she found at Hofman Hollis. The program offered structured guidance and a community she could lean on, crucial for her ongoing recovery.

She began to follow the materials diligently, finding particular solace in the advice given by a counselor there who said, 'Your past does not define you; it is merely a part of your journey.'

Experts had varying opinions about the rise in substance abuse. Some believed it was a direct consequence of the pandemic's social isolation, while others argued that such issues had been brewing long before COVID-19 and were merely exacerbated by it.

The conflicting opinions didn't deter Emily. She recognized that her journey was unique, and no single explanation could capture the entirety of her experience.

In the end, accessing help through an online program proved to be invaluable. Emily reflected, 'Finding the right support was not easy, especially nearby. Online services bridged that gap and brought hope when it seemed hard to find.'

*

Emily Richards is a fictional character created for this story.

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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.