Joe Smith* had been sober for years, but the news about tech stocks and AI still hit a nerve. He remembered when his excessive drinking and gambling caused him to lose everything - his job, his home, nearly his family. The rise of companies like Nvidia reminded Joe of how oblivious he had been to future trends back then.

This news article dredged up painful memories of the path that led to his rock bottom. Joe's wife Marie* had considered leaving him during those dark times. He knew he had to take action to avoid slipping back into his former ways.

That's when they discovered the Stepping Into Action online program. Following its guidance, they learned tools for overcoming obsessive patterns and cultivating presence. Joe started journaling daily and attending virtual support groups.

'Those were some of the hardest but most important steps I've ever taken,' Joe reflected. 'Writing down my thoughts and sharing openly - it was like lifting a heavy weight off my shoulders.'

Some experts lauded the program's mindfulness approach for addiction recovery. 'Staying grounded in the present moment disrupts the cycle of craving and compulsive behavior,' said Dr. Jennifer Sims, a psychologist. However, others criticized it as an oversimplified solution. 'Addiction has deep neurological roots that require comprehensive treatment plans,' argued Dr. Michael Fowler, an addiction specialist.

Controversy aside, Joe knew the online program had been a lifeline during his darkest moments. 'When you're struggling with something so personal, having resources you can access privately is invaluable,' he shared. 'It gave me a way to start healing when I didn't know where else to turn.'

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