CAROLINE james GORDEN
About me
Specialised coaching for people with ADHD who are in recovery from substance use disorder and other compulsive or addictive behaviours
Caroline James Gorden, ADHD and Addiction Recovery Coach, (Recovery Coach Professional Designation by CCAR), Integrative Health Practitioner (Level 1), Visiting Research Fellow, Wrexham University
The Constant Chasing of Goals
For a long time, I measured progress through traditional academic achievements such as peer-reviewed publications and lecturing.
My journey into coaching began after experiencing a major burnout in my career.
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I spent years in academia, reaching the level of Associate Professor and while seemingly thriving on the outside, on the inside, I never felt good enough or as good as others.
The constant chasing of goals like publishing peer-reviewed papers, writing a book, giving lectures was so I could be sure I would finally feel worthy and validated.
Of course, these achievements only resulted in temporary relief of my pain and so a perpetual cycle of pursuing what I call ‘Detour Goals’ went on for years.
I was trapped in a cycle of seeking external validation, taking a never-ending detour from my ‘Purpose Goals’ – the goals aligned with my true desires – the ones that bring intrinsic joy and satisfaction.
This is what can happen as a result of childhood trauma relating to undiagnosed ADHD and/or autism. It’s only when diagnosed later in life that we can begin to make sense of our experiences.
Like many others as a child, I was given labels associated with ADHD symptoms e.g. ‘you’re too sensitive’, ‘you’re a daydreamer’, ‘you’re too intolerant’, ‘you don’t listen like everyone else’ and so on.
My experience mirrors that of so many neuro different adults.
It is little wonder then, that lack of understanding about neuro differences, misdiagnoses, labelling, and trying to manage ‘our personality’ results in low self-esteem and confidence.
This, coupled with neurobiology influences on ADHD and autism, can contribute to substance use disorder and other compulsive behavioural addictions.
And then, everything changed…
When I understood who I was, and what I wanted to do
From Burnout to Breakthrough
My constant pursuit of ‘Detour Goals’ lead to a spectacular burnout that ultimately paved the way for an ADHD diagnosis, a new career in coaching adults with ADHD and autism, and a move to a new country! Although I did genuinely get a lot out of my academic career, I had always loved my practitioner work I have experience of delivering a treatment programme founded on cognitive behavioural principles to high-risk offenders in the Probation Service, I have worked in an addiction recovery clinic, and I have also worked with homeless women.
Specialising in Addiction Recovery Coaching
After working with many people with ADHD and autism, I wanted to move beyond my original coaching qualification and develop the expertise I needed because of what I was seeing with many of my clients – a presentation of addictive behaviours that were co-occurring with their ADHD symptoms. Thus, I earned my designation in Addiction Recovery Coaching with CCAR (Recovery Coach Professional Designation from the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery). Working with neuro different people in substance use disorder and other compulsive and addiction behaviours caused me to reflect on my own experiences with compulsive behaviours – whether it was overworking, overspending, or constantly chasing approval – all in the relentless pursuit of trying to catch a moment of feeling ‘good enough.’
Broadening the Definition of Addiction
As you will see under the ‘Information and Resources’ section, definitions of addiction according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) criteria remains limited to substances, gambling, and gaming disorder; however, there is a growing abundance of research to indicate that the criteria should be extended to include a much wider range of behavioural compulsions and addictions. Regardless of the criteria, engaging in unhealthy substance use or behaviour is the way people express their pain.
The Power of Goals and Reinvention
Because of my personal and professional experiences, I became fascinated with the nature of goals, habits, and the process of personal reinvention. I realised that achieving goals isn’t enough if we don’t create lasting habits that align with our intrinsic desires and core psychological needs. As Dr Joe Dispenza, a renowned spiritual teacher, says, ‘Our personality is our personal reality.’ In other words, lasting change isn’t about reaching a single goal – it’s about creating a new way of being that becomes second nature.
My Coaching Philosophy
Redefining Recovery—Your Way
Rooted in Research, Committed to Growth
With over 14 years of academic experience, I bring a research-driven approach to everything I do. I’m committed to staying up to date with the latest studies, and I provide references in my resources for anyone interested in diving deeper. In addition to my coaching practice, I continue to contribute to academia as a Visiting Research Fellow at Wrexham University in the UK.
The overlooked connection
Is there really a link between ADHD, Autism, and Addiction?
Yes, and it’s more significant than many realise. Research shows that both ADHD and autism are linked to higher rates of substance use disorders and behavioural addictions, such as internet, gaming, and gambling addictions. For example, one study found that up to 58.9% of individuals with ADHD exhibit behavioural addictions, with internet addiction being one of the most prevalent (Grassi et al., 2024).
Why does this happen?
Autistic individuals often face a variety of challenges in life, such as lower academic achievements, struggles with employment, health issues, and difficulties in social situations, which can lead to feeling dissatisfied and having a lower quality of life (ONS, 2021; Marriage et al., 2009).
They may find social interactions and communication harder, experience trouble with organisation and planning (executive functions), and have less tolerance for stress, especially when routines or structures change (Ortiz, 2020; Tomczak et al., 2021; Hayward et al., 2020, 2019; Müller et al., 2003). They can also be more sensitive to sensory input and have a harder time managing stress. These challenges can affect their ability to concentrate, increase stress and burnout, cause physical discomfort or illness, and impact their mental well-being (Pearson and Rose, 2021).
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Several theories have been proposed to explain why addiction is relatively common among autistic people. Some suggest that unique neurological patterns and a predisposition to repetitive behaviours may contribute. Additionally, certain traits associated with autism, such as hyper-fixation and obsessive tendencies, could play a role. Many autistic individuals might turn to substances as a way to lessen the severity of their symptoms or to cope with the challenges they face in social settings, including the desire to ‘fit in’. Difficulty with self-regulation and the use of substances as a form of self-medication are also believed to be contributing factors (Hoffman, 2024).
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition that affects a person’s ability to focus, stay still, and control impulsive behaviour, which can get in the way of daily life and development. It usually starts in childhood and impacts things like relationships, school, or work.
Inattention
Difficulty staying focused, being organised, or completing tasks, but not because they don’t understand or are being defiant.
Hyperactivity
Being overly active or restless, like fidgeting, constantly moving, or talking excessively, even in situations where it’s inappropriate.
Impulsivity
Acting without thinking, interrupting others, struggling with self-control, or wanting immediate rewards without considering long-term consequences (NIMH, 2024).
It’s increasingly recognised that people with ADHD struggle to regulate their emotions (Shaw et al., 2015) and suffer with rejection sensitivity (Müller et al., 2024).
Rejection sensitivity may be defined as a cognitive-behavioural concept that describes a tendency to anxiously expect, easily detect, and strongly react to situations where one feels rejected (Downey et al., 1997).
The Hidden Costs of ADHD
Understanding the emotional, functional, and neurological toll of living with ADHD
Living with ADHD can profoundly impact various areas of life, including education, career, social relationships, and health. Individuals with ADHD often struggle in school, finding it harder to finish high school or college, which leads to lower grades and delays in completing their studies. These academic challenges can limit future job opportunities, creating barriers to finding fulfilling employment. In terms of career outcomes, people with ADHD tend to earn less, face higher unemployment rates, and are more likely to need disability support. Even when they have the same educational background as their peers, their job outcomes are often less favourable, demonstrating the additional difficulties they face in the workplace. Social relationships can also be strained, as symptoms like impulsivity and difficulty focusing make it harder to maintain connections, leading to challenges both in personal life and in professional environments. This can contribute to lower overall life satisfaction.
Additionally, ADHD increases the risk of developing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, which can further impact an individual’s ability to function in education, work, and social settings.
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People with ADHD and or/autism may also be at an increased risk of developing addiction issues if they experience impulsivity, increased emotional and functional challenges (Grassi et al., 2024) and if you have difficulty recognising your emotions (Lyvers et al., 2024). In this sense, you may use substances or engage in behaviours as a way of coping with difficult feelings and indeed, your ADHD symptoms, including managing poor executive functioning (such as planning and decision-making).
When ADHD occurs alongside other conditions, it can significantly increase the likelihood of long-term disability, making the need for specialised support all the more crucial (Jangmo et al., 2021). Research suggests that problems in the brain’s reward and self-control systems may explain why people with ADHD are more prone to impulsivity and difficulty delaying gratification, which can increase the risk of substance use. These issues are thought to stem, at least in part, from reduced dopamine function – a chemical linked to reward and pleasure (Sibley et al., 2022).
Neurological and genetic factors may play a role in the onset of addiction and other compulsive or addictive behaviours, e.g. where there are dysfunctions in the brain’s dopamine system (Haasbroek and Morojele, 2022). Drugs and alcohol can temporarily boost dopamine, providing relief from some ADHD symptoms. However, ongoing substance use can disrupt these brain pathways, leading to heavier use over time (Kalivas et al., 2005). Additionally, genes and environmental factors, known as epigenetics, also play a significant role in increasing the likelihood of both ADHD and substance use disorders. Studies suggest that genetics account for a substantial part of this risk, with up to 76% of a person’s tendency for ADHD being linked to inherited and environmental factors (Wendt et al., 2020).
Expanding the definition of addictive behaviours
When we think of addiction, substance abuse often comes to mind – things like alcohol, drugs, and nicotine. But did you know that behaviours like gambling and gaming can also become addictive?
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Substance and Behavioural Addictions: How are they similar?
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In both cases, the brain’s networks that handle decision-making, emotions, and attention are altered, leading to similar behaviours like poor impulse control and becoming over focused on things. However, substance addictions cause unique changes, into how people think and make decisions, due to how substances affect brain chemistry. In short, while both types of addiction impact the brain, substance use leads to additional changes that behaviour alone doesn’t cause (Zeng et al., 2024). However, the role that dopamine plays in compulsive behavioural addictions makes behaviours like gambling or excessive internet use can feel just as compelling as substance use. The need to experience pleasure or reduce negative emotions, such as anxiety, drives this compulsive cycle.
Ready to Rewire Your Habits and Achieve Lasting Recovery?
Join ‘Habits that Heal’ today and get the tools you need to create the life you truly want. For the next 48 hours, take advantage of a special launch price. Start building habits that honour your neuro differences and fuel your recovery.
How Are Addictions Categorised?
Other Compulsive or Addictive Behaviours
Work Addiction
Obsessive work habits can lead to burnout and stress-related illnesses (see Griffiths et al., 2017 and Berta et al., 2023).
Shopping Addiction
The need to shop compulsively brings short-term pleasure but often results in guilt and financial problems (see Sussman et al., 2011).
Sex and Love Addiction
Obsessive thoughts about romantic relationships or sexual gratification can lead to emotional struggles, similar to substance addiction (see Sussman et al., 2011, Sanches and John, 2019, Gori et al., 2023 and Giacobbe et al., 2024).
Exercise Addiction
While exercise is beneficial, overdoing it can cause harm to both physical and mental health (see Astuti et al., 2024).
Food Addiction
Binge eating and emotional eating often lead to cycles of guilt and overeating (see Krupa et al., 2024).
Phone Addiction
There is a significant emergence of research on phone addiction and a recent systematic review indicates that there are associations between smartphone addiction and physical and mental health (see Xavier, 2023).
Unlock the Power of Habits that Honour Your True Self and Support Lasting Recovery
Have you ever set goals or habits with the best of intentions, only to feel disconnected or unfulfilled when they don’t bring the results you hoped for?
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You’re not alone. Many of us mask our neuro differences and chase goals that aren’t aligned with who we truly are. This creates a cycle where we push ourselves, often taking shortcuts that in themselves pull us away from instilling permanent change. We then feel stuck and disconnected from the life we’re meant to live, having little or no idea what that life meant for us even is.
My signature course, Habits that Heal, aims to break this cycle by addressing the unique links between ADHD, autism, and addiction. The course dives deep into the science of habit formation – specifically tailored for neuro differences individuals in recovery. Traditional habit and recovery advice often overlooks the specific challenges faced by people with ADHD, autism, or addiction recovery histories. Habits that Heal offers a comprehensive solution that meets you where you are, providing coaching and strategies that align with how your mind is wired.
Not Everyone Identifies with the Word ‘Addiction’, and that’s OK
Not everyone recognises or sees themselves as addicted – and that’s perfectly fine.
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Some people may relate more to the idea of struggling with unhealthy compulsive behaviours or feeling dependent on certain substances or actions. This course is for you, no matter the language you choose. Recovery looks different for everyone, and in line with the guiding principles of addiction recovery coaching, you are in recovery if you say you are.
Why This Course Works for You
Habits That Heal
A Science-Based Approach
Traditional habit advice doesn’t work for everyone – especially for those of us managing ADHD, autism, or recovery. This course will teach you the science of how habits become automated, how they impact your recovery, and how to make the process inclusive to your unique mind.
Tailored to ADHD and Recovery Needs
Conditions like ADHD often come with challenges such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty maintaining focus, which can hinder recovery efforts. For instance, individuals with ADHD may struggle with sensory overload, overwhelm, and emotional dysregulation, making it hard to engage in traditional recovery methods. That’s why this course emphasises habit strategies that address recovery capital, focusing on building habits that help you grow within each of the recovery capital domains.
Real-Life Application
You won’t just learn theory; you’ll gain practical tools to create goals and habits that energise your recovery and build long-term success. By targeting key areas of your life, like emotional regulation and self-acceptance, I help you build a solid foundation for growth and healing.
How I Can Help You:
Here’s What You’ll Learn:
Learn how to design goals that truly resonate with your authentic self by using my simple model that distinguishes between ‘detour goals’ and ‘purpose goals.’ Discover strategies to disrupt and alter your mindset resulting in a more powerful outlook so that you can encourage the unlived life within you to being showing up every day.
Discover practical strategies rooted in psychological research to build habits that respect your unique mind and recovery needs. Find out why simply setting goals won’t guarantee success and what science reveals about making habits truly automatic so you can finally achieve the goals you’ve always dreamed of but couldn’t reach. In this course, you’ll learn which types of habits offer the greatest ‘returns’ for managing your neuro differences, supporting your recovery, and propelling you toward your hopes and dreams.
Discover powerful ways to align your habits with the eight areas of recovery capital -physical, human, personal, growth, health, social/family, cultural, community (Hennessy, 2017) while specifically targeting ADHD symptoms. These habits will not only support long-term well-being but also plug into the three core psychological needs that drive lasting fulfilment.
My PEACE+ model guides you step by step through the process of choosing habits that align with your true self, target your ADHD symptoms, and plug into both your recovery capital and core psychological needs. It also equips you with strategies to overcome inevitable setbacks related to neuro differences, addiction, and the challenges of a busy, overwhelmed life – ensuring you stay on track toward lasting recovery and fulfilment.
References
Explore Supporting Publications
- Arribas, L., Casas, M., Corrales, M., Fadeuilhe, C., Ramos‐Quiroga, J. A. and Ribasés, M. (2020). Genetic overlap and causality between substance use disorder and attention‐deficit and hyperactivity disorder. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics, 186(3), 140–150.
- Astuti, Y., Orhan, B., Karaçam, A. and Karuppasamy, G. (2024). The Relationship between Physical Activity Enjoyment and Exercise Addiction. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences. 12. 720-728. 10.13189/saj.2024.120414.
- Berta, K., Pesthy, Z. V., Vékony, T. et al. (2023) The neuropsychological profile of work addiction. Sci Rep 13, 20090. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-47515-9
- Downey, G., Khouri H. and Feldman, S. I. (1997). Early interpersonal trauma and later adjustment: The mediational role of rejection sensitivity. In Cicchetti D., Toth S. L. (Eds.), Developmental perspectives on trauma: Theory, research, and intervention (pp. 85–114). University of Rochester Press.
- Gori, A., Russo, S. and Topino, E. (2023) Love Addiction, Adult Attachment Patterns and Self-Esteem: Testing for Mediation Using Path Analysis. J Pers Med. Jan 29;13(2):247. doi: 10.3390/jpm13020247. PMID: 36836480; PMCID: PMC9964255.
- Giacobbe, C., Gianpaolo, M., Borrello, L., Barone, A., Mastromarino, C., Antonelli, P. and Santangelo, G. (2024) Psychological and cognitive complaints in individuals with love addiction, Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, Volume 16, 100785, ISSN 2666-9153, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadr.2024.100785.
- Grass,i G., Moradei, C. and Cecchelli, C. (2024) Prevalence and clinical phenotypes of adult patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and comorbid behavioral addictions. J Behav Addict. Apr 26;13(2):473-481. doi: 10.1556/2006.2024.00020. PMID: 38669082; PMCID: PMC11220802.
- Griffiths, M. D., Demetrovics, Z. and Atroszko, P. A. (2018) Ten myths about work addiction. J Behav Addict. Dec 1;7(4):845-857. doi: 10.1556/2006.7.2018.05. Epub 2018 Feb 7. PMID: 29409339; PMCID: PMC6376361.
- Haasbroek, H. and Morojele, N. (2022). A systematic literature review on the relationship between autism spectrum disorder and substance use among adults and adolescents. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 9(1), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-021-00242-1
- Hayward, S.M., McVilly, K.R., and Stokes, M.A., (2019) “I would love to just be myself”: What autistic women want at work. Autism in Adulthood, 1(4) https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2019.0020
- Hayward, S.M., McVilly, K.R. and Stokes, M.A. (2020) Sources and impact of occupational demands for autistic employees. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 76, 101571.
- Hennessy E. A. (2017). Recovery capital: A systematic review of the literature. Addiction Research & Theory, 25(5), 349–360. doi: 10.1080/16066359.2017.1297990
- Hoffman, K. S. (2024) ‘Addiction and Autism’. Available from: https://www.addictionhelp.com/addiction/autism/ (addictionhelp.com)
- Jangmo. A., Kuja-Halkola. R., Pérez-Vigil, A., Almqvist, C., Bulik, C. M., D’Onofrio, B., Lichtenstein, P., Ahnemark, E., Werner-Kiechle, T. and Larsson, H. (2021). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and occupational outcomes: The role of educational attainment, comorbid developmental disorders, and intellectual disability. PLoS One. Mar 17;16(3):e0247724. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247724. PMID: 33730071; PMCID: PMC7968636.
- Kalivas, P. W. and Volkow, N. D. (2005, 1st August). The Neural Basis of Addiction: A Pathology of Motivation and Choice. The American Journal of Psychiatry. 162(8): 1403-1413.
- Krupa, H., Gearhardt, A., Lewandowski, A. and Avena, N. (2024). Food Addiction. Brain Sciences. 14. 952. 10.3390/brainsci14100952.
- Marriage, S., Wolverton, A., & Marriage, K. (2009) Autism spectrum disorder grown up: a chart review of adult functioning. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 18(4) pp. 322-8.
- Müller, E., Schuler, A., Burton, B.A., and Yates, G.B. (2003) Meeting the vocational support needs of individuals with Asperger syndrome and other autism spectrum disabilities. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 18, pp. 163–175.
- Müller, V., Mellor, D., & Pikó, B. F. (2024). Associations Between ADHD Symptoms and Rejection Sensitivity in College Students: Exploring a Path Model With Indicators of Mental Well-Being. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 39(4), 223-236. https://doi.org/10.1177/09388982241271511
- NIMH (National Institute for Mental Health) (2024). Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Available from: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (nih.gov)
- Levy, S., Seth, D., Ammerman, P. K., Gonzalez, S. A., Ryan, L. M., Siqueira, V. and Smith, C (2014). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Substance Abuse. Pediatrics July; 134 (1): e293–e301. 10.1542/peds.2014-0992
- Lyvers, M., Luarca, A., Priestly, G. and Thorberg, F.A. (2024). Adult symptoms of ASD in relation to excessive internet use: The roles of ADHD symptoms and negative mood. Int J Psychol. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijop.13220
- ONS (2021) Outcomes for Disabled People in the UK: 2020. Available at https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/disability/articles/outcomesfordisabledpeopleintheuk/2020#employment
- Ortiz, L.A. (2020) Reframing neurodiversity as competitive advantage: opportunities, challenges, and resources for business and professional communication educators. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 83(3), pp. 261-284.
- Pearson, A. and Rose, K. (2021) A conceptual analysis of autistic masking: understanding the narrative of stigma and the illusion of choice. Autism in Adulthood, 3(1), pp. 52-60.
- Sanches, M. and John, V. P. (2019). Treatment of love addiction: Current status and perspectives. The European Journal of Psychiatry, 33(1), 38–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpsy.2018.07.002
- Shaw, P., Stringaris., A, Nigg. J. and Leibenluft, E. Emotion dysregulation in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Am J Psychiatry. (2014). Mar;171(3):276-93. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2013.13070966. PMID: 24480998; PMCID: PMC4282137.
- Sibley, M. H, Arnold, L. E., Swanson, J. M. et al. (2022) Variable patterns of remission from ADHD in the multimodal treatment study of ADHD. Am J Psychiatry. 179:142-151.
- Sussman, S., Lisha, N. and Griffiths, M. (2011) Prevalence of the Addictions: A Problem of the Majority or the Minority? Evaluation & the Health Professions. 34(1):3-56. doi:10.1177/0163278710380124
- Tomczak, M.T., Szulc, J.M. and Szczerska, M. (2021) Inclusive communication model supporting the employment cycle of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 18 (9), p. 4696.
- Vilar‐Ribó, L., Sánchez-Mora, C., Rovira, P., Richarte, V., Corrales, M., Fadeuilhe, C., Arribas, L., Casas, M., Ramos‐Quiroga, J., Ribasés, M. and Soler Artigas, M. (2020). Genetic overlap and causality between substance use disorder and attention‐deficit and hyperactivity disorder. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics. 186. 10.1002/ajmg.b.32827.
- Wendt, F. R., Pathak, G. A., Tylee, D. S., Goswami, A. and Polimanti, R. (2020). Heterogeneity and Polygenicity in Psychiatric Disorders: A Genome-Wide Perspective. Chronic Stress (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), 4, 2470547020924844. https://doi.org/10.1177/2470547020924844
- Xavier, Siman. (2023). Smart phone addiction and its effect: systematic review. International Journal of Scientific Research. 4-5. 10.36106/ijsr/0514953.
- Zeng, X., Han, X., Zheng, D., Jiang, P. and Yuan, Z. (2024). Similarity and difference in large-scale functional network alternations between behavioral addictions and substance use disorder: a comparative meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine. 54(3):473-487. doi:10.1017/S0033291723003434