I have never come across someone trying to sell Effexor XR™ (venlafaxine) in a bar. To me, addictive substances are defined, in part, by drug seeking behavior. Effexor XR™ does not affect dopamine levels, except at very high doses (eg. > 450mg/day). It increases levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. One of the major pleasure seeking centers of the brain is the nucleus accumbens, which is stimulated by dopamine. It is increased dopamine neurotransmission that "soothes" the addiction.

Just my thoughts - Cam