AMERICAN FOUND FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH

Conducted studies documenting psychopathology patterns in specific sexual addiction behaviors, including voyeurism and exhibitionism (noting higher severity when co-occurring and gender differences), and in bondage/sadomasochism (highlighting trauma, PTSD, and high-risk behaviors in addicted individuals).

Researched individuals in residential treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, finding that 20–30% also met diagnostic criteria for sexual addiction, highlighting the high rate of undiagnosed sexual addiction in substance abuse populations.

Conducted a study identifying that 21% of male and 7% of female college students show warning signs of sexual addiction, and developed the PATHOS screening tool for colleges to identify students needing evaluation and treatment.

Supports and conducts research, including a study of 4,100 cases, to develop and validate diagnostic criteria for sexual addiction, advocating for its inclusion in the DSM. This includes identifying twenty different types of sexual addiction to help clinicians with targeted treatments, validating the Sexual Dependency Inventory test, and developing an assessment tool for therapists to evaluate the impact of sexual addiction on partners.

Developed and validated diagnostic criteria for sexual addiction through research on 4,100 cases, contributed to efforts to include the condition in the DSM, and created assessment tools including the Sexual Dependency Inventory and a partner impact assessment for couples healing from sexual addiction.

Conducted research on 4,100 cases to develop and validate diagnostic criteria for sexual addiction, advocated for inclusion in the DSM, and used statistical analysis to identify twenty distinct subtypes of sexual addiction, supporting clinical targeting of treatments and validation of the Sexual Dependency Inventory assessment tool.

Conducts a research study with over 1,000 participants from the U.S. and Canada to investigate genes linked to sexual addiction, compare them to genes linked to alcoholism and drug addiction, identify specific gene clusters predisposing individuals to certain behaviors, and explore psychological disorders associated with different types of sexual addiction. This research is supported by awards such as the Fulbright – Canada – Palix Foundation award in Brain Science.

Conducts large-scale research studies on the genetics and clinical patterns of sexual addiction, including a study of over 1,000 participants across the U.S. and Canada comparing genetic markers of sexual addiction to those of alcohol and drug addiction, and identifying gene clusters and psychological disorders linked to specific subtypes.

Conducts funded research into the genetics of sexual addiction, including a study of over 1,000 participants across the U.S. and Canada to identify gene clusters linked to sexual addiction, compare them with those for alcohol and drug addiction, and explore associated psychological disorders; supported by Dr. Patrick Carnes’ Fulbright award and ongoing since 2012.

Developed and validated an assessment tool to help therapists evaluate the impact of sexual addiction on partners and support healing in couples affected by sexual addiction.

Conducts studies to understand the prevalence of sexual addiction, such as finding that 21% of male and 7% of female college students exhibit warning signs, and develops screening tools like the PATHOS questionnaire. Researches the co-occurrence of sexual addiction with substance abuse, finding 20-30% of drug and alcohol addicts also meet criteria for sexual addiction. Documents patterns of psychopathology associated with specific sexual behaviors like voyeurism, exhibitionism, bondage, and sadomasochism, highlighting gender differences, trauma, and PTSD.

Studied individuals in residential treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, finding that 20–30% met diagnostic criteria for sexual addiction, highlighting high rates of undiagnosed sexual addiction in substance use populations.

Conducted research identifying sexual addiction warning signs in college students, finding 21% of males and 7% of females exhibiting indicators, and developed the PATHOS screening tool for colleges to identify students needing evaluation and treatment.

Conducts quarterly 3-day advanced recovery retreats based on 12-Step Recovery principles developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes and led by specialized therapists; includes biweekly check-in meetings and scheduled retreats in June, September, and December 2025.

Conducts quarterly 3-day advanced recovery retreats based on 12-Step Recovery principles, developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes and led by field therapists, with scheduled retreats in June, September, and December 2025, and includes biweekly check-in meetings as part of an ongoing retreat series.

Conducts 3-day advanced recovery retreats focusing on 12-Step Recovery principles, developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes and led by therapists. These retreats are part of a series that includes quarterly weekend retreats and biweekly check-in meetings, with scheduled retreats in June, September, and December 2025.

Offers the Summit Group, a safe and confidential peer support program that provides education, advice, and community connection for individuals recovering from sex addiction.

Offers the Summit Group, a safe and confidential peer support program that provides education, advice, and connection for individuals recovering from sex addiction.

Offers the Summit Group, a confidential peer support group providing education, advice, and a safe space for individuals recovering from sex addiction.