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In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts

Close Encounters with Addiction
4.48 goodreads logo

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( 22,759 ratings, 2,121 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Maté explores the complex world of addiction, blending personal stories from Maté's experiences as a medical doctor with insights into the psychological and social factors that contribute to addictive behaviours. The book delves into the root causes of addiction, challenging readers to rethink conventional understanding and offering a compassionate approach to treatment and recovery.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're interested in exploring the complexities of addiction through a compassionate and insightful lens, with a focus on the human stories behind the struggle and the societal factors involved. You might enjoy this book if you appreciate in-depth psychological analysis and moving personal narratives.

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To heal addiction, you have to go back to the start…

Featured on Russell Brand’s podcast Under the Skin

Dr Gabor Maté is one of the world’s most revered thinkers on the psychology of addiction.

A groundbreaking work on the root causes of addiction - and how to heal it - from the legendary Dr Gabor Mate

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Dr Gabor Maté delves deep into the heart of addiction, exploring its roots and the path towards healing. Drawing from Dr Maté's extensive experience working with individuals grappling with severe addiction and mental illness, this groundbreaking work sheds light on the complexity of addiction in a way that is both enlightening and compassionate.

The book weaves together gripping personal stories with the latest scientific research, painting a poignant picture of those struggling with addiction. Through these narratives, Dr Maté reveals how addiction is not limited to substances like drugs and alcohol, but can also encompass behaviours such as gambling, sex, and work. His analysis demonstrates that addiction is not a manifestation of a weak will, but a response to deep-seated emotional and psychological pain.

At the core of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts is the idea that addiction is a spectrum disorder that touches many lives, not simply the most visible cases of drug dependency. Dr Maté argues that addiction stems from unmet emotional needs, starting from early childhood experiences and trauma, highlighting how brain chemistry and personal history intricately intertwine. He contends that society often fails to address the fundamental causes of pain that underlie addictive behaviours, instead opting to treat the symptoms superficially.

Unlike many self-help books, Dr Maté does not offer simplistic solutions. He emphasises that understanding oneself is crucial for overcoming addiction and achieving true wellness. This means delving into one’s past, acknowledging pain, and fostering genuine self-compassion. Dr Maté calls for a more mindful society, one that prioritises emotional well-being and empathetic understanding over judgement and punishment.

This 10th-anniversary edition of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts includes an additional chapter addressing the opioid crisis, offering updated insights and reflecting on recent developments. The prose is enthralling, blending scientific acumen with a profound empathy that makes the book accessible and deeply moving.

A modern classic, award-winning and vital, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts is a transformative read that challenges conventional views on addiction. It is an essential book for anyone seeking to understand the human condition, providing a beacon of hope and a call to compassion in confronting one of the most pervasive issues of our time. Once you embark on this journey with Dr Maté, you will never see addiction, or those who suffer from it, in the same way again.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts is widely praised for its profound exploration of addiction, blending personal, spiritual, and political insights. Reviewers commend Gabor Maté's compassionate voice and urge for human connection as essential in healing. The book is recognized for its original and deeply scholarly approach to understanding and treating addictive disorders.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781785042201

Publisher: Ebury Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 October 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vermilion

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 339g

Pages: 496

About the Author

A celebrated speaker, and bestselling author, Dr Gabor Mate is highly sought after for his expertise on a range of topics including addiction, stress and childhood development. Rather than offering quick-fix solutions to these complex issues, Dr Mate weaves together scientific research, case histories, and his own insights and experience to present a broad perspective that enlightens and empowers people to promote their own healing and that of those around them. Dr Mate has written several bestselling books including When the Body Says No, Scattered Minds and co-authored Hold on to Your Kids. His most recent book The Myth of Normal- Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture is a New York Times bestseller. Dr Mate's works have been published internationally in over twenty languages. Supporters of Dr Mate include Dr Rangan Chatterjee, Bessel van der Kolk, Johann Hari and Esther Perel. He was recently featured in the highly publicised livestream conversation with Prince Harry where they discussed loss, trauma and the importance of healing.

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