I agree that addiction is the root of the problem.
Addiction is paying homage to a ritual rather than living.
I see many examples of people that have all the right accessories required for living a "good life". Yes, fancy houses and cars, latest tech, etc etc etc.
The desire for those things is absolutely fostered by advertising and mass media, then of course by those around us that have those things.
It's all about appearances. Illusions rather than substance.