Have you ever noticed an alcoholic will look at you funny if you refuse a drink?
God belief has the same neurological mechanisms as addiction whether thought (gambling), or drug induced.
I show the science behind it in this thread if interested?
The Holy Dopamine Ghost:
http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=294330
I like how Dawkins has likened religion to a virus. Religion has to spread from person to person, and when we're is the best time, so that's why parents stress it so much to their kids.
So the mental virus spreads and reduces one's defenses to nonsense. But I have never thought of it as an addiction. I believe the most "faithful" really do believe it to their core and they get a high out of the endorphins which are released when they worship their god at church with their singing and hand raise/waving, even snake handeling.
I think that has to be separate. I've been to those churches and involved with a group of people. They're all chanting Jesus, in that moment I was able to give in and it was kind of a cool tingly good feeling. I'll bet they feel it more intensely, and more often. But people of all religion feel that. So that proves nothing.
Anyway, I'm stoned and rambling. I agree with you there are shades of addiction, but I don't think it's as simple as all that. It isnt just pleasure seeking. They deny themselves things that please them as part one of many acts of worship or sacrifice to their god.