Are all repetitive, dangerous activities addictions?
No. There are many factors that can lead to taking too many painkillers or drinking too much coffee, without the behavior being a true addiction. Among these factors that lead to abuse, but not addiction, are habit, peer pressure, even the setting in which the behavior is done. For example, casinos are built with no windows or clocks, and serve free alcohol, all to encourage excessive gambling. Gambling too much in that setting may not mean having an addiction. For a full discussion of non-addiction factors in excessive behavior see chapter nine of “The Heart of Addiction”.
