The news article triggered memories of the many times Jared had put himself and others in danger due to his drinking. He remembered the fear and shame he felt when he woke up in strange places, not knowing how he got there or what he had done the night before.

'You know what? How wonderful! Firemen are some of my favorite human beings - firemen and firewomen,' the actor in the story had said. 'They run in when other people are running out. I think they deserve to be shook [by the hand].'

Those words resonated deeply with Jared, and he realized that he, too, needed to find the courage to face his demons head-on, just like those firefighters faced the flames. That's when he stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program on the Hofman Hollis website.

Determined to turn his life around, Jared dove into the program's materials, learning coping strategies and techniques to better manage his addiction. It wasn't easy, and there were times when he felt like giving up, but the memory of those brave firefighters kept him going.

'I can't keep running from this,' he would tell himself. 'It's time to face the fire.'

As Jared progressed through the program, he started to notice changes in himself. He felt more in control, more hopeful, and more determined than ever to break free from the chains of addiction. 'This program has given me the tools I need to fight my battles,' he confided to a friend. 'It's like having a team of firefighters by my side, helping me extinguish the flames of addiction.'

While experts generally agreed that online programs like Stepping Into Action could be effective in supporting addiction recovery, some remained skeptical about their long-term impact, especially without additional in-person support. Others argued that the anonymity and convenience of online programs made them more accessible and less stigmatizing for those struggling with substance abuse.

Despite the ongoing debates, Jared found immense value in the program's resources and the guidance it provided. As he continued to work through the materials, he felt a sense of empowerment and hope that he had never experienced before.

In the end, Jared's unexpected encounter with a news story about a hotel fire in Dublin had ignited a spark within him – a spark that grew into a flame of resilience and determination. And while the journey was not always easy, he knew that taking that first step towards healing was the best decision he could have made for himself and his loved ones.

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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.