From my perspective, out of already known form of addiction, chattering or gossiping of others could be classified as one of the deadliest addiction which we see being practiced by most of the people;
Alcohol
Drugs
Tobacco
Chattering.
Some people are so addicted in it that whole of their days passes on finding fault on others. Talking at the back neither brings fruitful changes in that person or the degeneration. So the simplest way to progress being a good human being will be to utilize that amount of valuable time in self evaluation and progress.
Especially from Buddhist perspective, wishing for enlightenment and gossiping of others is two opposite path, whereby the philosophy says that only through observation of one's own mind that we progress in the path of enlightenment. So, from this angle, if we claim that we are good practitioners just through prayers and propitiations and yet we enjoy talking of others, then we should know how genuine we are in the right track.
Initially, our emotions are so strong that we don't see the wisdom, even if someone is to come and pour upon our head In the middle, we see the wisdom but we cant get rid of emotions, so we lead the life of confusion and often dissatisfaction Finally, emotions lose the battle upon wisdom, and we find true peace and prosperity within oneself.