In general the reward system related to addiction is the release of dopamine.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction#Reward_system
As such, theism is sustain due to its ability to trigger the release of dopamine to soothe the existential pains with its rewards of soothingness.
Note this article which explain how dopamine is released in a theistic state.
One feature that confirms addiction to X is a state of withdrawal in the absence of X.The god effect
Religion spawns both benevolent saints and murderous fanatics.
Could dopamine levels in the brain drive that switch?
https://aeon.co/essays/the-dopamine-swi ... nd-fanatic
Throughout the centuries, bountiful dopamine has given rise to gifted leaders and peacemakers (Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Catherine of Siena), innovators (Zoroaster), seers (the Buddha), warriors (Napoleon, Joan of Arc), teachers of whole civilisations (Confucius) and visionaries (Laozi). Some of them founded not only enduring religious traditions but also profoundly influenced the cultures and civilisations associated with those traditions.
But dopamine-fuelled religion has also unleashed monsters: Jim Jones (the ‘minister’ who persuaded hundreds of his followers to commit suicide) and the cult Aum Shinrikyo, whose leader had his adherents release sarin gas on the subways of Japan. Think of the fanatic terrorists of al Qaeda, who gave their lives to attack New York’s twin towers and the Pentagon on 11 September 2001.
It is very notable that people suffered terrible cold-turkeys and withdrawals syndromes for a long time when they convert out of their theism into being non-theistic.
Agree or disagree to the above hypothesis?