Bullshit. I've got plenty of money and a pill-addicted wife-- trust me those f'ing things cost upwards of $200 a week during some stretches. Reason for taking them has nothing to do with how much we can afford and everything to do with feeling "pain-free."
Active ingredient drugs most certainly addict people. Physical addiction is a physical state. So much so that if the drug is removed too quickly the withdraw can kill you in some cases (see Heroin).
It is my understanding that physical addiction and withdrawal are both physical states, but the former depends on more variables.
no, a lack of meaning, purpose, confidence and/or esteem perhaps, but lack of money has little role in addiction.
That's part of the story, but I know a LOT of middle and upper class addicts.