Retired soccer star Ashlyn Harris recently shared a deeply personal and courageous account of her past struggles with Adderall addiction. In a candid interview on the *Question Everything with Danielle Robay* podcast, Harris detailed her misuse of the amphetamine during her college years at the University of North Carolina, a period complicated by multiple sports injuries. She described a harrowing cycle of addiction, confessing to taking the drug constantly, going days without sleep, and even resorting to snorting it. Harris openly admitted the devastating impact on her physical and mental health, a period she described as ‘toxic’ and a test of her character.
Harris’s story, however, isn’t just one of struggle; it’s a testament to resilience and the transformative power of support. She credits her college coach, Anson Dorrance, for his unwavering support during this difficult time. Dorrance encouraged her to read Viktor Frankl’s *Man’s Search for Meaning*, a book that Harris says profoundly impacted her perspective on suffering and helped her reframe her experiences.
Today, Harris is a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, a loving mother to Sloane (4) and Ocean (2), and in a relationship with actress Sophia Bush. Motherhood, she says, has been a catalyst for profound personal growth. The responsibility of raising her children has instilled in her a deep commitment to self-improvement and a desire to provide them with the best possible foundation for their lives. Harris is focused on ensuring her children grow up in a stable and loving environment, free from the shadows of her past. She wants to equip them with the tools to become good people, actively contributing members of their communities.
Harris’s vulnerability in sharing her story serves as a powerful reminder that even the most accomplished individuals can grapple with addiction. It underscores the importance of open conversations surrounding addiction and the vital role of support systems in recovery. Her journey is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that healing and a fulfilling future are possible, even after navigating the darkest of times. It’s a story of overcoming adversity and finding strength in motherhood and self-reflection.
