We are all addicted to the drama. Self-sabotage is quite common and not all that mysterious. We need the drama. As you said, it makes things "exciting", gives people something to do. Ever wonder why people bitch and moan and complain all the time? We all know those people who every time we see them seem to have some noew drama to talk about. It's cause it keeps them busy. Gives them purpose.
It's a cheap and easy way to distract them from their lives. Take away all the drama and what's left? They'd be forced to find a way to fill the void. They'd be forced to create for themselves...and that's scary to some (this also explains the ragingly unhealthy obsession with politics and famous people).