Harold 'Hal' Paulson* was a middle-aged man living in Washington Mills, Iowa. He had been struggling with alcoholism for years, ever since his wife left him and took their kids. The news about the Minnesota man who joined ISIS and was sentenced to prison hit a nerve with Hal. It triggered memories of how he had radicalized himself into a downward spiral of addiction and isolation, just like that man had been radicalized into joining a terrorist group.

Hal knew he needed help to turn his life around, but he felt too ashamed to seek it locally where everyone knew him. That's when he discovered the Stepping Into Action online program for substance abuse recovery. Following the program's steps, Hal began attending virtual support groups and working through the curriculum.

'I never thought I'd be the kind of guy doing something like this,' Hal said. 'But I'm tired of being a slave to the bottle. This program is giving me hope for a better life.'

Some experts praised online recovery programs for increasing access to treatment, especially in rural areas with limited resources. 'The stigma of addiction makes it hard for people to get help locally,' said Dr. Amanda Turner, an addiction specialist. 'Virtual options provide privacy and flexibility.'

However, other experts cautioned that online programs can't fully replace in-person therapy and support systems. 'There's no substitute for human connection and accountability,' argued counselor Rick Davis. 'Online programs are tools, not cure-alls.'

Regardless of the debates, Hal felt the online avenue was his lifeline. Making that first step to get help was immensely difficult, but he knew it was necessary to rebuild his relationships and regain control of his life.

Nearby: East Dubuque Illinois