I don't have any proof, since I'm not that tapped into the research, but I can imagine that genetics are worsening because of the additives in our food.

I would say this is a factor too. Over-processed food, a million chemicals we aren't built to handle, medication, vaccination, air and water pollutants...

For me, it is all a matter of channeling that addiction, that fixation on more beneficial activities than destructive ones.

Yep. I think that we at least all have the potential for some kind of compulsion, but if we are going to have one, may as well make it work for us.

But still, I would get so much more accomplished if I put the pedal to the metal more frequently than I put the lighter to the bowl

This is definitely a "move to Finland" thing - since it is so very illegal here still :D