Can we please stop comparing any activity that our brain learns to enjoy to drug usage by saying that some neurotransmitter is involved?

I'm sure one could just as easily say that getting the mail is like other addictions, because I chronically get excited at the thought of my latest online order arriving.

> I'm sure one could just as easily say that getting the mail is like other addictions, because I chronically get excited at the thought of my latest online order arriving.

There actually are many people addicted to shopping. You can often see them on “Hoarders” or similar TV shows, their homes filled to the brim with products in boxes, unopened.

It's only an ill-recepted drug usage if it starts remaking your behaviour as to increase consumption. Does the excitement and anticipation of getting mail significantly increase the frequency of your ordering? I assume not at all, but compulsive buying is a thing, and "some neurotransmitter" can totally make people addicted, so why can't I make a comparison when it is reasonable to do so?

Point taken; you are right to defend the drug comparison, so long as we're talking about compulsive behavior with negative effects.

I do feel the analogy is overused though, mostly because the notion that chemical reactions in the brain are involved seems to have an unduly strong impression on people, whereas I imagine that these phenomena in the brain turn up in all sorts of human activity (see sandworm101's comment).

There's also a negative connotation that exists with drug usage. I could be totally addicted to jogging, though ("runner's high"), with an almost totally net positive effect on my life.

And there is plenty of evidence that face-to-face social interactions trigger various neurotransmitters. I was reading a little while ago about distinct effects in the brains of men of hearing young female voices. No doubt this is Darwinism in action, but I guess I should start wearing earplugs around women to prevent any effect listening to them might have on my brain.

> Actually there is plenty of evidence that texting and social media offer a similar kick as several other addictions like smoking, etc.

Habitual behavior in general forms because of "a similar kick". The main difference between a habit and an addiction is whether the habit is seen as adaptive or maladaptive.