[twodave]

I'm no scholar or researcher, just someone who's experienced impulsive behavior as a regular old human. I'd categorize any activity that attempts to short-circuit the usual reward center of the brain as potentially addictive. Using an addictive substance or technology isn't in itself an addiction, rather the point we start making unhealthy choices to support our use (e.g. choosing to stay home instead of hang out with friends, skipping meals, lying, etc.) is where the world of the addict begins.

Video games short-circuit our reward center with achievements, making the effort involved in feeling a sense of accomplishment much less than it should be.

Pornography and casual sex short-circuit the effort involved to consummate a fulfilling relationship with something much less than it should be.

Drugs short-circuit the process of personal growth, removing pain and introducing happy feelings that don't align with our current situation.

Food as a drug can combat feelings of loneliness, though the effects of the resulting obesity can drive us to isolation.

None of the feelings or sensations brought on by these things are inherently bad or wrong. They all share in common the fact that chasing after pleasure or sensation puts the cart before the horse, as if one could actually be fulfilled by these things instead of them being effects caused by the real things, those things we're short-circuiting. Addiction fine-tunes the brain so that real, wholesome things start to seem unfulfilling, even boring. It's a real shame because those real, wholesome things are often the only way out.

[hacoo]

I find this comment quite insightful.

‘Addiction’ is a complicated and loaded term, which may or may not be helpful. Sometimes, it’s more question of examining one’s life and making the very difficult choices necessary to be happy in the long run.

It’s also an insightful point that, when ‘addicted’, normal or moderate behaviors can start to feel meaningless - as if they would lead to an intolerably dry life. Trusting this will not be the case is important when making a change.