[possibleworlds]

“Actual addictions” are caused by actually addictive substances or patterns of behaviour. Genetic predisposition is also a significant and often misunderstood factor. Yes there can be links to underlying mental health issues, but addictions are primarily cause by things that are actually addictive. Nicotine, for example, causes immediate withdrawals and cravings in the short term, and basically rewires your brain chemistry with sustained long term use. Addiction to nicotine is not caused by depression, it is caused by nicotine.