My definition of addiction may be different than you've heard. I define addiction as the use of a substance, behavior, or attitude to change your state from one of pain to pleasure but the choice has negative side effects. I see addiction as a dis-ease, not a disease.
What motivates us to become addicted to a behavior, attitude, or substance? When we feel bad about ourselves and don't know how to get ourselves into a positive state without the use of that crutch.
This doesn't mean that our body and brain chemistry don't go through immense changes when we are involved in our particular addiction. They do. It's easy to understand that with alcohol, drugs, and food. It's harder to get the connection when it shows up as an attitude such as arrogance, apathy, or guilt. It's even harder to connect the dots when your addiction is reading, playing games on your computer, or exercising.
The important thing to ask yourself is this: Am I able to get myself into a feeling state of joy on my own? Do I rationalize how it is okay to do whatever it is since I deserve it, end up feeling good albeit temporarily, will change the behavior tomorrow or soon, or simply that I have too much on my plate and don't want the extra stress?
Whatever your way of making it okay to keep doing those behaviors, attitudes, or substances that relieve your pain momentarily, it is better to face reality and make a commitment to your own well-being. Then, when you've truly made that commitment, the conscious and daily practices that are required to help yourself feel better from the inside out, to fall in love with yourself, to learn how to source your own joy and gratitude—then you will be on the road to true recovery.
As I see it, most of us are addicts in various stages of recovery. Imagine what we could all be like if we committed ourselves to ensuring our own happiness, not blaming others for what happens or doesn't happen for us. That's a world I think most people would like to live in, that is, if they are willing to become aware and join the journey.