Brenda*Greene sipped her morning coffee, grimacing at the bitter taste. The news droned on about Thailand's bid to join some organization called 'BRICS.' She was about to tune it out when a detail caught her ear - BRICS included Russia.

Suddenly, she was transported back to her wild youth, backpacking across Europe in her twenties. The taste of Russian vodka tingled on her lips, igniting a trail of memories that led to her current struggles with alcoholism.

The news reminded Brenda of how far she'd fallen since those carefree travel days. She knew she needed help, but local resources were scarce in Nebraska City. Determined, she discovered the Stepping Into Action online program and decided to give it a try.

'I never thought some random story about Thailand would hit so close to home,' Brenda remarked to her friend Lily*. 'But hearing about Russia's involvement with that BRICS thing was like a wake-up call. If I don't get a grip now, I'll lose everything I've worked for.'

Some experts praised Brenda's decision, noting the proven effectiveness of online recovery programs. Others cautioned that virtual support could never replace in-person human connections.

Ultimately, Brenda found solace in the program's pragmatic approach, focusing on one day at a time. 'It's not about comparing apples to oranges,' she realized. 'It's about finding what works for me, in my own little corner of the world.'

Though the road ahead was long, Brenda felt a profound sense of hope and determination. If a bizarre news story could spark such a powerful pivot, perhaps her own transformation was closer than it seemed.

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