Years ago, Janet's younger brother had fallen victim to an overdose involving synthetic opioids. The memory of those dark days came rushing back, leaving her shaking. She thought she had moved past it, but the news report revealed wounds that had barely healed. Janet felt a mix of emotions - anger, sadness, and a faint glimmer of hope.

Determined to make a change, Janet began searching for ways to address her unresolved feelings and maybe, prevent others from facing the same fate as her brother. That’s when she stumbled upon a program called Stepping Into Action at HofmanHollis. Intrigued by its promise of transformation, Janet decided to give it a try.

The first few days were tough as she delved into the materials and exercises. Something about the structured steps resonated with her. Janet poured her heart into the program, determined to make a difference in her life and by extension, in her community. One of the program's key points struck her deeply: 'Change begins with the decision to step forward.'

Experts are divided on the efficacy of such self-help programs. Dr. Louise Simmons, a noted psychologist, believes these programs offer valuable tools for personal growth when traditional therapy might not be accessible. However, not everyone agrees. Dr. Ronald Fraser, a critic of online self-help initiatives, argues that without professional supervision, individuals might struggle or even worsen their conditions.

Despite the controversy, Janet has seen positive changes in her life. She feels more in control and is finding ways to volunteer and raise awareness about substance abuse. It wasn't easy finding nearby resources in such a small town, and she was grateful for the online option. On reflection, the journey that started with that fateful news article, ended up being one of the best decisions she'd ever made. She learned that with the right support, even the most painful memories could be turned into a force for good.

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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.