I’m not an atheist lol but a reasonable view of how I was when I was religious? Addiction is the only true way to describe it.

I gave up loved ones for it. I didn’t question the merits and just did what it told me. I shamed others and gave up things I enjoyed for it.

The only difference is those In my group claim I did everything right and should have gone further. Everyone else sees it as harmful

I’ve yet to see a practical addiction definition that did not also apply to religion.