From Pain to Purpose: Ellen Sutherland’s Story of Addiction, ADHD, and Long-Term Recovery

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This one is personal.

Ellen Sutherland is a recently retired social worker with 37 years of continuous recovery. Along with long-term recovery, we share the common experience of having ADHD. We talk about what alcohol and cocaine “solved” at first, how shame kept both of us stuck for years, and the unexpected freedom that came with getting honest, finding community, and finally discovering that elusive pause.

Ellen shares:

• Growing up fast in a big, high-achieving family—and feeling like “the nothing” kid
• Why substances worked…until they didn’t, and how cocaine sped everything up
• Getting sober while working in schools (and the dissonance of sending kids to 12-step while partying on weekends)
• The 12-step tools that still anchor her: honesty, openness, willingness—and pausing when agitated or doubtful
• ADHD late diagnosis, the relief of language, and why medication became an act of kindness
• Divorce, codependency, single parenting in recovery, and rebuilding a life that fits
• Sponsoring women and the joy of giving "it" away
• Caring for a sister with autism and ADHD—and advocating until she could truly thrive

If you’re navigating ADHD, addiction, or both—or you love someone who is—this conversation is a reminder: you don’t have to do it alone, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Community, tools, and hope exist. One day at a time is still a beautiful way to live.

Resources mentioned

• Alcoholics Anonymous (meetings everywhere; free)
• ADDitude (A.D.D.itude) magazine & newsletter for ADHD education and community
• Local therapy/support groups for ADHD and substance use (check your area)

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