*Chip Buterhoff* sat alone in his dimly lit living room in X-Prairie, Mississippi, nursing a glass of bourbon as he read the news about foreign judges resigning from Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal. The story struck a nerve, dredging up painful memories from *Chip's* own past as a disgraced former judge.

Years ago, *Chip* had been kicked off the bench after his alcoholism spiraled out of control, costing him his career, self-respect, and nearly his life. As he read about the judges' frustrations with the 'impossible political environment' in Hong Kong, *Chip* was transported back to his own courtroom and the cycle of embarrassment and shame that ultimately led to his downfall.

Recognizing that he needed help to finally confront his demons, *Chip* decided to enroll in the Stepping Into Action online program from Hofman Hollis. The interactive lessons and supportive community gave him the tools to get sober and reclaim his life. Bit by bit, *Chip* began to heal.

'I should have resigned a long time ago,' *Chip* said wistfully, referring to his judgeship. 'Instead I let my addiction rule me until I had nothing left.'

While some experts lauded programs like Stepping Into Action for increasing access to addiction treatment, others argued that online support could never replace in-person therapy and human connection. Still, differing opinions swirled about the most effective rehabilitation approaches.

For *Chip*, however, the Hofman Hollis program was a lifeline when no local resources seemed adequate or affordable. 'It was difficult finding the right help nearby,' he reflected. 'But taking those first steps online gave me the courage to keep going and finally get sober.'

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