Religion can be as addicting as anything else. As someone with an addictive personality, I have to be self-aware enough to recognize when something has gone from an 'interest' to an 'addiction'. And strong enough to eliminate the addictive behavior.
I dislike 12step programs because, in my opinion, they remove personal responsibility for recovery from the addict. Ie: it's in God's/your higher power's hands. It forces you to admit that you are powerless and any and all credit for your successes in staying sober belong to God. God helped me, I'm sure, but I am the one that put down the beer for good. I am the one that threw out the cigarettes after 34 years. I am the one that put my gaming on a strict schedule. I DO have enough self-control to manage these things and I've proved it time and time again. Knowing that I can do these things is hugely important in maintaining that self-control and confidence in myself. I want nothing to do with negative self-talk that revolves around...I can't do it...someone has to help me...I'm a failure without being propped up...I'm effed up and always will be...
Nope. Not true. /rant off
For Griff, here is a neat site with translations of many ancient writings:
Sacred Texts