A review by calebmatthews
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction by Gabor Maté

4.0

Really useful book for discussing addiction.

I really enjoyed these parts (unfortunately, I don't have my notes from parts I-III anymore)

- [ ] Addiction is more experience dependent than gene dependent
- [ ] Neural Darwinism and going blind
- [ ] Optimal brain development: nutrition - physical security - consistent emotional nurturing
- [ ] Fire together wire together in therapy
- [ ] Seizures and dissociation track 20 minute 14ish
- [ ] The void I’ll do anything to avoid
- [ ] No one is born with self regulation
- [ ] Differentiation
- [ ] Ralph and everyone’s search for a little piece of freedom
- [ ] Dislocation and addiction
- [ ] Stealing (2 million - palm pilot)
- [ ] Free will vs free won’t (brain lock)
- [ ] Legalize drugs
- [ ] Not treating a person because they choose problem
- [ ] On harm reduction vs abstinence - Our only choice is compassion or indifference
- [ ] COAL - CURIOSITY OPENNESS ACCEPTANCE AND LOVE
- [ ] Abstinence vs sobriety
- [ ] Choose guilt over resentment
- [ ] Signed and undated checks
- [ ] My business - your business - or God’s business

I would give a disclaimer when recommending this book to someone who has struggles with chemical addiction since Mate discusses his own addiction (CD buying).

Excited to discuss this with other therapists!