Rose306, I teach that addiction is a disease. That the thing that we are addicted is a symptom of emotions that we are bottling up and find relief and an escape from those things we don't want subconsciously want to deal with. There are many things that can make one predisposed to addiction, for example, race, genetics, environment, age at first use, traumatic events (rape, incest, anything tragic). However, addiction as a disease is one theory. There are many. I know you mentioned that you smoke (if I remember correctly). The premise is the same. We use our smoking to deal with (me personally) anxiety primarily. There is a Biopsychosocial model of recovery that discusses the addictive nature of substances, the psychological (emotional and negative thoughts) and social aspects. It is common for addicts to eventually isolate. I see many parallels between depression and addiction. There are two theories that I am aware not both are called CBT but are based on most of the same premises. I know there are more, but the brain just let's me retrieve so much information at a time.
Alcohol is processed differently in a person who is an alcoholic than one who is not. The addictive nature of other substances causes them to alter the chemical (neurotransmitters) in the brain. They affect many of the same neurotransmitters as those that are affected by depression - serotonin, norepenephrine, dopamine and epenephrine, you can get more complicated than that with the chemistry of the brain....but I get lost too much further than that. There is some connection between the pinneal gland and addiction as well as depression. Low self-esteem is often seen in people recovering from addiction, now whether that came first or the addiction, I'm not sure about. There is alot of guilt, shame, resentments, fears and hidden behaviors as a result of the addiction. So people are kicking their own butts (this sound familiar too?).
geez, have I scared you off- I always rattle on. It's an escape mechanism for me and I recognize that! woo hoo
says just go with your gut! goofy - what is the basis of all addictions? low self esteem? ?? googleable - hilarious 
