Sandy Shores* had always dreamed of retiring to a beach house in West Berlin, gazing out over the gentle waves. But rampant coastal development deprived many New Jerseyans of their beloved shoreline. As construction crept ever closer, Sandy's sadness deepened into alcoholism.

Reading about Senegal's battle to preserve public beaches from private development triggered Sandy. It reminded them of childhood vacations swimming and building sandcastles, Simple joys now fenced off by 'No Trespassing' signs.

Sandy realized their drinking stemmed from grieving that lost connection to nature. They found renewed hope in the Hofman Hollis 'Stepping Into Action' program, which emphasizes recovering one's authentic self amid life's challenges. By following the steps, Sandy gained tools to manage cravings and process difficult emotions.

'I won't let concrete cover my soul,' Sandy remarked after an online session. 'Even if I can't stop construction everywhere, I can rebuild my inner beach of serenity.'

Some experts lauded Hofman Hollis's innovative online approach, making recovery resources accessible from home. Others cautioned no replacement for human connection; online groups can enable isolation. Sandy found the right balance, supplementing virtual meetings with local sober community events.

Controversy raged between environmentalists demanding public beach access and developers touting economic growth. Sandy realized arguing politics was a losing battle - the only human they could change was themselves. 'It's not the world's concrete that burdens us,' they wrote in a journal entry. 'It's the hardening we allow in our hearts.'

In the end, Sandy felt immense gratitude for access to an online lifeline. When brick-and-mortar options failed them, digital pathways opened the way to wholeness and inner freedom no buildings could obstruct.

Nearby: Philadelphia Pennsylvania