Coping with Attachment Disorder in Adults

Healthy emotional relationships are a key part of long-term happiness and mental well-being.

For some adults, forming and maintaining close connections can feel nearly impossible. They may seem distant, overly independent, emotionally reactive, or afraid of intimacy—not because they don’t care, but because they never learned how to connect safely.

This pattern may be the result of an untreated attachment disorder that began in childhood and continues to affect their relationships, self-esteem, and emotional stability today.

At The Raleigh House, we understand how early attachment wounds can impact adult life, including how people relate to others, manage emotions, and even turn to substances for comfort.

Here’s what you need to know about adult attachment disorder and where to find support.

What is Attachment Disorder—and Can Adults Have it?

Attachment disorder is a behavioral condition that makes it hard to form healthy emotional bonds. It usually begins in childhood when a child’s basic emotional needs, like safety, affection, or consistency, are unmet due to trauma, neglect, or unstable caregiving.

The DSM-5 outlines two types of attachment disorders:

• Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD): Emotional withdrawal, low responsiveness, and social disengagement.
• Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED): Overly trusting behavior, lack of boundaries, and impulsivity.

What Causes Attachment Disorders Later in Life?

Attachment issues in adulthood often stem from disrupted early childhood bonds.

Abuse, neglect, trauma, or constant caregiver changes can prevent a child from developing trust, emotional safety, and self-regulation.

These early patterns can carry over into adult relationships, impacting how someone gives and receives love, sets boundaries, and manages emotions.

What are the Symptoms of Attachment Disorder in Adults?

Adults with a history of attachment disorder often struggle with emotional regulation, low self-esteem, and forming or maintaining close relationships. These challenges typically reflect patterns rooted in early experiences.

Common symptoms may include:

• Difficulty expressing or processing emotions.
• Low self-worth or fear of rejection.
• Trouble building or sustaining relationships.
• Emotional detachment or resistance to affection.
• Impulsive behavior or poor anger management.
• Trouble recognizing or responding to others’ emotions.
• Disregard for personal boundaries or social norms.
• Overly familiar behavior with strangers.

Can Attachment Disorder Lead to Anxiety or Substance Use?

Yes. Many adults are aware that their behavior pushes others away or makes them feel out of place, but they may not know why.

This emotional confusion can sometimes lead to depression, anxiety, or substance use as a way to cope. That’s why trauma-informed, dual diagnosis treatment is essential.

Is There a Cure for Adult Attachment Disorder?

There’s no single “cure,” but there is a path to healing. With the right combination of psychotherapy, emotional education, and experiential support, adults can re-learn how to trust, express emotions, and form fulfilling relationships.

How to Treat Attachment Disorder in Adults

The effects of childhood attachment wounds don’t have to define you or a loved one’s future.

With the right support, it’s possible to develop healthier relationships, emotional insight, and stronger social skills.

Effective treatment often includes:

• Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy): Individual sessions help uncover and heal childhood trauma, build trust, and develop emotional regulation skills.
• Experiential Therapies: At The Raleigh House, we offer options such as equine therapy, providing clients with a nonverbal outlet to explore emotions when words are difficult to find.
• Family Involvement: Weekly family education sessions help loved ones understand the disorder and support recovery. Parenting or couples therapy may also be integrated into care when appropriate.

Our licensed mental health professionals guide each client through a personalized plan that supports emotional healing and long-term connection at their own pace, in a safe and supportive setting.

Find Behavioral Health Support at The Raleigh House

Healing from attachment disorder is possible. With the right care, you or a loved one can develop the skills to build healthy, lasting relationships.

At The Raleigh House, we use a whole-person, east-to-west approach that combines evidence-based therapies with experiential treatments like equine therapy, rock climbing, and yoga.

Our licensed team helps clients process early emotional wounds, strengthen interpersonal skills, and find emotional balance.

We also provide continuing care to support lasting progress long after treatment ends.

You can begin your journey at either of our two Colorado locations:

• The Ranch at The Raleigh House: A peaceful, retreat-style setting just outside Denver, ideal for emotional healing and connection.
• The Center for Integrative Behavioral Health: A modern, accessible facility in the Denver Tech Center, offering flexible, expert care in an urban environment.

Contact our admissions team today to learn how we can help you connect with the people who matter most.