Is depression a prerequisite for addiction?

Depression is typically connected to addiction. Addicts tend to be introverted and use substance or addictive behaviors to express themselves in the world. There are instances where an addiction is just part of someone's behavioral pattern, yet this a minority of people.

It is he question of the chicken and the egg. What came first? Does an addict turn depressed or is it the depression which causes the addiction? What ever the answer, one thing is known, they are deeply conected.

I think it's possible to become addicted to something without having first been depressed, so no, I don't think depression is a prerequisite for addiction. But the two do have an association that makes it likely for them to co-occur, and scientists are still trying to figure out what that is. Many people who are depressed self-medicate with substance abuse or other addictive behaviors like eating disorders, so it's not surprising that depression can lead to addiction problems. On the other hand, addiction places a lot of stress on relationships, health, and most other aspects of life, so it also makes sense that one of the consequences of addiction might be depression.

It's not an entirely clear relationship and depression and addiction often occur together, but I think it's safe to say that a person can become an addict without first being depressed.