Top Resources for AI’s Effect on Relationships

When You Need More Than Understanding

You have read the articles and noticed the signs. Now you want to know where to turn. This page lists real places to find help when AI use is straining a relationship, whether it is your own use or a partner’s. It is a directory, not a prescription, and not medical advice. We list what we could check, and we say when we could not.

“AI addiction” is not a formal diagnosis. In the DSM-5-TR, the American Psychiatric Association recognizes gambling disorder as the one behavioral addiction (APA). Relationship strain around AI use can still be real and worth getting help for.

An earlier version of this page listed books, authors and a “most widely recognized” assessment that we could not verify. We removed them rather than send you to sources we cannot stand behind.

Step One: Get a Clearer Picture

Our own free check-in is a 20-question scale about how you use AI and what it does for you. It is private and needs no account. It is not a diagnosis and has not been tested in a clinical study, so treat the result as something to think about, not a verdict. If you are the partner of someone who uses AI heavily, do not complete it for them. An offer to do it together, or a separate honest conversation, goes further.

Take the free check-in

Step Two: Talk to Each Other

Choose a calm moment. Start with how you feel, not with accusations: “I miss spending time with you” lands better than “You love that chatbot more than me.” Ask what the AI gives them. Say what you need. Do not read their messages or install tracking software behind their back, because this usually damages trust further.

Professional Help for Couples and Individuals

No recognized “AI addiction” specialty exists yet. Look for a licensed professional who works with couples, anxiety, depression, compulsive behavior or loneliness, and ask how they would approach this. The National Institute of Mental Health advises asking about a therapist’s credentials and experience with your concern (NIMH).

• Couples and family therapists: the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy runs a therapist locator.
• Gottman Method therapists: the Gottman Referral Network is a free directory of professionals trained in that approach.
• General directories: Psychology Today and the APA Psychologist Locator.
• Treatment by location: SAMHSA’s FindTreatment.gov.

Couples therapy methods such as Gottman or Emotionally Focused Therapy are widely offered. We found no research on them specifically for AI use, so choose a therapist you trust, not a brand name.

Peer Support

• Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous runs free 12-step meetings online and in person, and lists AI among the digital activities it covers.
• Reddit communities for people quitting chatbots exist, such as r/character_ai_recovery, described by 404 Media in 2025 (404 Media). They are members talking to members, not treatment.
• For partners and family members, general support groups for families affected by compulsive behavior may help. We do not know of a vetted group for partners of heavy AI users and do not recommend any in particular.

When It Is Urgent

Contact someone right away if either of you is in danger, has thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or feels unsafe in the relationship.

If you are in crisis. Call or text 988 in the US (988 Lifeline), or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). SAMHSA’s National Helpline is 1-800-662-4357. In an emergency, call 911. If someone is threatening, controlling or hurting you, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788 (The Hotline).

Rebuilding Connection

You cannot force someone to change, and recovery is theirs to lead. What you can do is offer time together without screens, say thank you when they try, and look after your own needs. Small, regular moments of attention add up.

Should my partner and I see a therapist together?

It can help if the main problem is distance, secrecy or conflict. A couples therapist can help you both be heard. If one of you has symptoms such as depression or anxiety, individual therapy can also be useful.

How do I find a therapist who understands AI companions?

Few therapists list this as a specialty yet. Ask at the first contact whether they have worked with technology use, loneliness or compulsive behavior, and how they would approach your situation.

Is a partner using AI companions the same as cheating?

There is no agreed answer. Couples define it differently. What matters is what you have agreed, and whether there is secrecy. Talk about it as you would about any boundary.

This page is for education only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan.