Having an addiction, whether it is to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or even food, can cause physiological or psychological dependence on a substance or activity, and can be connected to illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A physiological dependence means that the body has become accustomed to a drug or drugs and needs these chemicals just to function, making the body crave these substances. Physiological dependence is determined when a person experiences tolerance, or when …showed first 75 words of 2016 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2016 total…it encourages detachment--the process of pulling back or separating from involvement with someone else's addiction and refusing to let that addiction rule one's life any longer. Other support groups include Codependents Anonymous, the National Association for Adult Children of Alcoholics, the National Association for Children of Alcoholics, and Children of Alcoholics. Alateen, which is another branch of Al-Anon, is for teens between ages 12 and 20 whose parents or other family members or friends have drinking problems.