I find the subject of addiction fascinating, and the more I study it the more it clear it becomes that its causes and solutions are very complex.  In this 6 minute video Johann Hari suggests that much of what we  have learned about addiction may not be the whole story.  He suggests that the root cause of addiction is a lack of connection, a lack of meaningful relationships.  I really like his quote: “The opposite of addiction is not sobriety but connection.”  

If you like this short video and want to learn more, watch his 14 minute TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY9DcIMGxMs&t=294s