I have used all manner of odd things to build up a "fortress" between my terrified addict self and a crumbling sense of security.
I hoard/collect things from kitchen appliances to ball bearings. I spend hours doing internet surveys, or picking apart the behavior or coworkers. Anything that I put between myself and reality is a potential addiction.
It's 90 degrees out and in the last week I've gotten two new hoodies to stand between and the big bad world. Think those are going to protect me from the sad feelings over my divorce? I'll mull that over while I have another dish of ice cream....sigh
If I am using it so I don't have to deal with reality...it's an addiction.