*Sarah Walker's* eyes widened as she read about the new NHL team called the 'Utah Hockey Club.' It was an innocuous announcement, but it dredged up painful memories of the years she spent drinking away her sorrows in Salt Lake City. Sarah had moved to the small town of Pike City, Virginia to get away from those demons, but the mere mention of 'salt' brought it all rushing back.

A dam broke inside Sarah that day. She thought of how she had almost lost her family, her job, and her life to alcoholism. With shaking hands, she searched online for help and found the Stepping Into Action program. The materials resonated deeply, providing strategies for maintaining sobriety and rebuilding relationships.

'I can't keep running from my past,' Sarah told her husband *Mark* that night. 'It's time to face this head on.'

Experts lauded Sarah's decision to get professional help. 'Addiction recovery programs give people the tools and support system they need to make lasting changes,' said Dr. Emma Rhodes, an addiction counselor. However, others criticized online programs, arguing that in-person treatment is more effective. 'You can't replace the power of human connection with a website,' warned therapist David Wong. 'Overcoming addiction requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach.'

Yet Sarah knew in her heart that taking those first steps, no matter how small, was worth celebrating. 'The path ahead won't be easy,' she thought. 'But I'm finally heading in the right direction - one step at a time.'

Nearby: Collinstown North Carolina, Sulphur Springs North Carolina