[singularity2001]

The underlying root cause often is loneliness. Many addictions are just symptoms of loneliness.

[VoodooJuJu]

There is some merit to this. The Rat Park experiment comes to mind: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rat_Park

[laretluval]

Lots of difficulties replicating Rat Park.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9148292?dopt=Abstract

[hhmc]

I'm unconvinced this is true for physiological addiction (e.g. opiates).

[pantalaimon]

You still need a reason to regularly take them in the first place, before the physical addiction kicks in.

[hhmc]

I still remain unconvinced that loneliness is the primary precursor for alcohol, opiates, etc.

[H99189]

I've heard from (a random Youtube video) that opiates mimic/activate some of the same brain circuits as pleasant socializing.

[somenewacc]

For opiates, the reason is often being prescribed them for pain.