Research-Driven Advocacy

By generating and leveraging scientific evidence, improve treatment access and reduce stigma, because empirical data strengthens policy arguments and shifts public perception. This strategy involves conducting and supporting research—such as developing diagnostic tools and demonstrating neurobiological parallels between sexual addiction and other addictions—to inform advocacy efforts. Unlike awareness campaigns that rely on storytelling or peer outreach, this approach uses rigorous science to influence insurers, policymakers, and healthcare providers, creating systemic change grounded in credibility and clinical legitimacy.

orgs running it

activities of those orgs

clusters touched

who runs it

organizations running this strategy · 1

#01 AMERICAN FOUND FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH AZ · 14 activities

what it looks like in practice

activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above. These are what the strategy looks like on the ground.

Advanced Recovery Retreats AMERICAN FOUND FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH
direct service
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.
Advanced Recovery Retreats for Sex and Love Addiction AMERICAN FOUND FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH
direct service
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.
Clinical Research on Specific Sexual Addiction Behaviors AMERICAN FOUND FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH
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).
Co-Occurring Addiction Prevalence Study AMERICAN FOUND FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH
research
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.
College Student Screening and Prevalence Study AMERICAN FOUND FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH
research
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.
Development of Diagnostic Tools and Criteria for Sexual Addiction AMERICAN FOUND FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH
research
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.
Diagnostic Criteria and Typology Development for Sexual Addiction AMERICAN FOUND FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH
research
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.
Genetic and Clinical Research on Sexual Addiction AMERICAN FOUND FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH
research
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.
Genetic and Neurobiological Research on Sexual Addiction AMERICAN FOUND FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH
research
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.
Partner Impact Assessment and Couples Healing Tools AMERICAN FOUND FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH
research
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.
Research on Co-Occurring Addictions in Substance Use Treatment AMERICAN FOUND FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH
research
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.
Screening and Prevalence Studies in College Populations AMERICAN FOUND FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH
research
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.
Summit Group Peer Recovery Program AMERICAN FOUND FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH
direct service
Offers the Summit Group, a safe and confidential peer support program that provides education, advice, and community connection for individuals recovering from sex addiction.
Summit Group Peer Support Program AMERICAN FOUND FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH
direct service
Offers the Summit Group, a safe and confidential peer support program that provides education, advice, and connection for individuals recovering from sex addiction.