I've been thinking more about your metaphor.

The big money players are indeed just as hooked on more money as a junky is to heroin. The big money players are not really in control.

And I think this addiction goes down the economic ladder as well. But the addicts in the lower parts may center much of their life around money, but unlike the bigger players, they have much less influence in how society is run. But both kinds of money addicts are not in control of much. The addiction is.

Brilliant metaphor!