The Paradox of Progress: Why Addiction Deaths Are Dropping—But Treatment Still Isn’t Working for Everyone
“We’ve gotten better at keeping people alive—but not always at helping them live.”
Recovery Is Built Over Time, Not Overnight
By embracing the full continuum of care—from detoxification and residential treatment through step-down programs and long-term counseling—individuals give themselves the opportunity to do the deeper work that recovery requires. They gain the time and support needed to understand what they were trying to manage or escape through substance use, and to develop healthier ways of navigating those same challenges moving forward.
Protecting the People Behind the Scorecards
An Opportunity for the PGA Tour to Lead on Mental Health and Recovery As the owner and founder of Donlan Counseling Services, a person in recovery, and an avid golfer who loves the game, I believe professional golf is at an important crossroads. Recent events within the sport have highlighted the psychological demands placed on […]
Why Comebacks Matter
I remember sitting on my couch in 2008 watching the Ryder Cup at Valhalla. I was 34, four years in recovery, and just starting to really fall for the game of golf. My swing was a work in progress. So was I. And there was Anthony Kim — young, confident, moving down those fairways like […]
Beyond the Breathalyzer: Understanding Your Substance Use Assessment
For many, a legal or administrative requirement to undergo a Substance Use Assessment feels daunting. It’s often seen as just another hurdle after an OUI or other incident. However, these evaluations are far more nuanced than a simple breathalyzer test. As a Doctoral-level LADC I in Massachusetts and Florida, my goal is to provide a […]
When a DUI Becomes a Turning Point: Why Arrests Often Lead to Recovery
No one plans for the night that changes everything. But for many people struggling with alcohol use, recovery doesn’t begin with a quiet realization — it begins with a disruption. A DUI arrest is often the first moment when the private struggle with alcohol becomes a public reality. And while the legal consequences can feel […]
The “Mental Game”: Why Your Thoughts Dictate Your Recovery
In golf, the difference between a great shot and a disastrous slice often comes down to what’s happening between your ears. The same principle applies to overcoming addiction and mental health challenges. It’s rarely about willpower alone; it’s about mastering your “mental game.” As a Doctor of Behavioral Health, my work is centered on this […]