ADHD, Addiction, and Turning Pain Into Purpose — with Jack Thompson

In this episode, Sharon sits down with ultra-endurance cyclist Jack Thompson, who shares his powerful story of ADHD, addiction, recovery, and purpose.

Jack’s journey offers a raw look at what happens when ADHD goes misunderstood — and how deep self-understanding and compassion can rebuild a life. Together, they unpack Jack's story and uncover Jack's parent's important actions that we all need to know about when things get rocky.

👉 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast for real stories, practical strategies, and support that actually makes life easier.

🧩 In This Episode

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  Jack’s story of ADHD, addiction, and finding purpose through cycling

  
  


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  The link between stimulation-seeking and addiction cycles

  
  


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  How sport, movement, and structure can support mental wellbeing

  
  


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  How Jack's parents navigated his addiction and recovery and what we need to learn from this

  
  


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  Sharon’s grounded advice for parents supporting ADHD children

  
  

⏱️ Episode Flow

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
03:20 – Jack’s early life and undiagnosed ADHD
07:45 – The path to addiction and what he was really seeking
14:10 – Finding clarity and healing through cycling
21:30 – The ADHD diagnosis that reframed everything
29:00 – How structure became Jack’s self-regulation tool
36:00 – Sharon’s insight: parenting from understanding, not control
44:15 – Reframing success for ADHD kids
51:00 – Final reflections: hope, humility, and healing

🧠 Key Takeaways

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  ADHD isn’t a deficit — it’s a brain difference that requires the right supports

  
  


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  Dysregulation is contagious

  
  


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  Real change happens when we stop fixing and start understanding

  
  


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  Connection always precedes correction

  
  


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  Routine, interest, and safety are the foundation of growth

  
  

🔗 Connect with Jack

🌍  jackultracyclist.com 
📸 Instagram: @jackultracyclist 
🎥 YouTube: Jack Ultra Cyclist 

💼 Work With Sharon

Sharon Collon is a credentialed ADHD Coach & Parenting Consultant, founder of The Functional Family, and mum to three boys with ADHD. She’s helped over 40,000 families move from chaos to calm through her signature programs, coaching, and community.

📚 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 
📧 hello@thefunctionalfamily.com 
📸 Instagram: @thefunctionalfamily 

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