Is Religion Psychologically Addictive?

Question

And if it is, is this the real power religion has over believers?

Answer 1

Well of course it is. That's one of it's keys to societal control. Other keys include peer pressure (including familial pressures and traditions), implied necessity, boundless answers, social possibilities, and the threat of the omnipresent moral monitor.

So, do some quick math, and it's not hard to see how religion can quickly and easily become an addiction for those with great social and emotional needs in their lives.

Most of the time, it's harmless to others. People feel the need to look up to a moral compass, and to be in the shade offered by a tent of goodness and righteousness, however false. They give freely of their earnings and hope it goes to a good cause. They are made to feel that because they attend services and follow the rules of their chosen religion, they are in fact 'good' people. As long as no one gets hurt too badly, it's fine.

But, yes, there is truly an addictive element involved, by design. Religious rituals, teamed with careful psychologic training (singing as a group, memorization, etc.) breeds addiction, and when teamed with the other elements I've listed above, there's little question why religion 'works' as well as it does.

Answer 2

Most psychological addictions is argumentatively found in those with a lower IQ. Now we've all seen those religious folks that represent this section, however there are many highly intelligent people who believe in a higher power. They may not get sucked into the dogma, but could still call themselves religious.
There is a difference between religious and believing. A habit of ritual changes brain chemicals making it easier to continue the practices, but a belief is simply a choice.

Answer 3

I do think it is psycologically addictive and many people get comfort from it, howver the real power of religion is the fact that it installs fear into people ,controls their minds and plays on human emotions.

Answer 4

No. Finding personal meaning is addictive. Religion is a clear, tangible way to get that sense of purpose.

Answer 5

Religion was designed to control the mentally ill. It works.

Answer 6

It is, in the sense that religion uses emotional manipulation and, in that way, feeds on itself. It is more of a parasitic meme in society that feeds off our human nature, including our tendency towards in-group compassion and out-group enmity.

Answer 7

Religion is the opiate of the masses...