In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction Paperback – Illustrated, January 5, 2010

I’ve read all Dr. Mate’s books, listened to hours of interviews/podcasts. His work is amazing, his perceptions, experience and openness are inspiring and comforting. Real and raw in a factual way. He relates well to his audience and is an incredible influence on my own healing journey! I have purchased this book for others-I even gave my first copy away halfway through reading it because I thought it would help that person who needed it more than me at that time!! Incredible man, incredible work, incredible writings! I’m planning to buy multiple copies of his books and donate them to libraries and schools, those little community library stands u see in some places because his books changed my life for the better just by opening my mind to things and confirming other things I had always intuitively known.

My reading of this book concurs with nearly everything I've seen in the other five star reviews; so in the interest of not being repetitive, mine will be short and limited to comments and impressions not prominent in other reviews. Two such impressions stick out - one regarding the neurology of addiction; and the second, related to the first, is with respect to early brain development.My interest in this book was piqued when Stefan Molyneux recommended it in one of his podcasts. I expected that the book would do more than merely introduce the reader to the latest findings in the science of addiction; that it would also shed light on some of the larger pathological brain conditions that we don't normally think of as "addiction" per se - those conditions that lead to behaviors that we actually admire and respect. I was not disappointed one bit. In particular, in Chapter 22, Poor Substitutes for Love: Behavior Addictions and Their Origins, the author deftly describes how addictive prone brain circuitry can drive an individual to obsessions with accomplishments (pride), wealth (greed), admiration (vanity), power (lust), etc. Mate explains that the cascade of neurological events that lead to these addictions are identical to those that lead to the lesser respected ones (such as gambling, sex, food) as well as the most stigmatized, criminalized addictions (illegal drug use). Only the trigger differs. The brain conditions underneath the compulsions are the same. The author does a good job explaining the neuro-mechanisms, but does not go into very much detail, which is understandable since the book is already pretty long. A good compliment in this area would be The Compass of Pleasure by David Linden.How do we address and/or correct these brain conditions?The author's answer is on the mark. In early chapters, the author lays the foundation. First and foremost, the addiction-prone brain (genetics aside, since we cannot control our genes) results from insufficient feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters, and too many of the stress induced chemicals very early on in our lives. The latest research in epigenetics and perinatal care point directly to the nurturing environment from conception through the first year of life as the crucial period of brain development. This period will ultimately determine whether or not we later in life feel the pull toward compulsive behaviors/drugs to compensate for the dearth of "love", neurologically/physiologically speaking, we experienced in the womb and in infancy. Again, since the book is already long, Gabor Mate does not have the luxury of going into a deep description of the latest research. As a companion piece for this purpose, one could consider Neurobiology and the Development of Human Morality by Darcia Narvaez. (By the way, I commend the both Gabor Mate and Darcia Narvaez for bravely making this sound and objective analysis of the topic, as it would certainly be regarded as somewhat offensive to those - I'm thinking of the popular Sheryl Sandberg "Lean In" sentiments as an example - who resist putting perinatal care at the very top of our list of cultural priorities.)The hallmark of a good book for me is one which I find enlightening and enjoyable AS I'm reading it, as well as how much I keep thinking about the contents AFTER I read it. This book did both, in addition to inspiring me to learn more about brain science, epigenetics, and moral development.

This is a must read for anyone in addiction recovery. Full of raw and powerful stories of hardcore homeless addicted people penned by a man of incredible insight and empathy who worked on the front lines to help them.This book also offers a deep dive into the physiological and emotional causes and mechanisms of addiction.

Eye-Opening and CompassionateMate, a doctor who's battled his own behavioral addiction, dives deep into the world of addiction. He gets it, man. He truly understands the addicts he treats, many of them from Vancouver's rough Eastside. Unlike some experts who toss around statistics, Mate tells their stories. Heartbreaking stories, of lives ravaged by addiction, often rooted in childhood trauma.Not a Blame GameThis book isn't about pointing fingers. Mate argues that addiction is a sociological and psychological problem, not a moral failing. We, as a society, are quick to demonize addicts and throw them in prison, a system Mate sees as draconian and ineffective. He advocates for treatment and compassion, not punishment.Science and AuthenticityMate backs up his arguments with science, studies of the brain and how addiction hijacks it. But this book is more than just facts and figures. It's about the human experience. Mate talks about the authenticity he finds in the addict community, a stark contrast to the phoniness of media and some politicians.A Call to Action"In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" isn't just about addicts, it's about all of us. It challenges us to be more genuine, to look at the root causes of problems, and to build a more compassionate society. It's a wake-up call, and frankly, we could all use a good jolt sometimes.The book isn't without flaws. Some parts are a bit repetitive, and the focus on the hardcore addicts can feel overwhelming at times. But those are minor quibbles.This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand addiction, including those struggling with it themselves. It's not a self-help book in the traditional sense, but it offers a powerful and insightful look at the human condition.