What are some examples of ways people become enslaved to possessions?

They need a pesky car to drive somewhere.

This is creepy, but it answers the question.

The captain who goes down with his ship.

Smart phone is #1 on that list.

  Unless I'm reading your question wrong, one example would be, they spend more time with and show more attention and affection towards certain possessions than they do with their loved ones or people in general. Which, for some, leads to the enslavement of sorts. Speaking from experience, I was that way with the first new car I bought. It became part of me and I became part of it. I was obsessed. Enslaved as you put it. :)