Is addiction a choice? | Big Questions with Gabor Maté

Western countries invest billions in healthcare, yet mental illness and chronic diseases are on a seemingly unstoppable rise. Nearly 70% of Americans are now on prescription drugs. So what is 'normal' when it comes to health?

Over four decades of clinical experience, renowned physician and addiction expert Dr Gabor Maté has seen how health systems neglect the role that trauma exerts on our bodies and our minds. Medicine often fails to treat the whole person, ignoring how today's culture stresses our bodies, burdens our immune systems and undermines emotional balance.

Now, in his most ambitious and urgent book yet, Dr Maté connects the dots between our personal suffering and the pressures of modern-day living - with disease as a natural reflection of a life spent growing further and further apart from our true selves. But, with deep compassion, he also shows us a pathway to health and healing.

Filled with stories of people in the grip of illness or in the triumphant wake of recovery, this life-affirming book, co-written with his son Daniel, proves true health is possible - if we are willing to reconnect with each other and our authentic selves.

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[Eric-blg]

Yes sir. I was on drugs for 30 years and served 17 years total in prison time . Once i figured out my past i was able to move on and today i choose life and freedom. I was running 🏃 from my pain and regrets for over 3 decades . It took that much for me to look deeper. I had everything i needed all along. I was just lost and focused on the wrong things. Human response to stop terrible regrets and numb ourselfs. I am becoming the best man that i can. Its all lessons in order to heal and accept our past hell. God is real. Each of us have our own understanding of who God is. Call out to him. He will come. Hes allready with you. Hes in you.

[NunoAlexandreMB]

It's such a blessing to the world that Gabor is being "mainstreamed".

[TraxisOnTheLines]

"For people to change who they are, they need to become who they are" 16 seconds in and this guy has my respect.

[shaunmacready]

This guy gets it.
"For one to understand, one must have gone through it" = someone wise

[tanyapulliamtanya]

Withdraws are a half of I wanted a billion times to stop. The withdraws we're almost too hard to bare. The body.... The mind... I knew people who couldn't handle it and committed suicide. THANK GOD I'm 7 years clean. Sober. The depression and anxiety went with it. Thank God. If I can get clean and sober anyone can. I did everything. Everything.... Thank God I will never have another withdraw ever again. God bless anyone struggling....❤️💙💓

[mlhamiltonanderson]

We all endure emotional pain. Some choose to deny it, repress it, suppress it, avoid it with substance use (alcohol, drugs, etc), some with workaholism, gambling, food, etc.
Some choose to address the pain with therapy, healthy communication choices, and developing the skill set known as resilience- the skill set that enables an individual to handle, process, overcome and endure emotional pain. One of the skills of resilience is taking personal responsibility-owning your choices. You cannot overcome addiction until you can do that. Addiction is a symptom of a human being in pain. Addiction is an unhealthy coping strategy.

[etherashe]

Dr Maté is so brilliant. I wish more people - particularly those in healthcare and addictions treatment - knew about his work.

[thetorontogirl]

When I became authentic, my weight started to disappear. I've dropped 43lbs so far and it's all thanks to me being truthful to myself. My addiction to food has gotten better.

[renzo]

It’s easier to condemn and punish than to forgive and heal.

[matthewoberton]

This man has peered into the depths of the human being and is basically a doctor of Love.

[duncanself]

Thank you for giving this guy a platform. People need educating on these issues more than ever

[SmeerTiu]

I never thought subliminals could make such a huge difference in overcoming addiction, but Borlest proved me wrong. After a couple of weeks, I felt a massive shift in my mindset. If you’re stuck in a cycle, this could be the solution. You’ve got nothing to lose.

[cnuta]

This is fantastic. The point about ostracizing one section of the addicted population (people addicted to illegal substances), when everyone has addicted behaviours is so simple, so spot on.

[kierlak]

Well said. Number one human need: being authentic

[charlesbrown]

As a recovered addict, I did not consciously choose the outcomes of my actions that lead me to become addicted, but I certainly take responsibility for the choices I made that lead to my addictions. It’s unavoidable if one chooses to be honest. Addiction is not a black/white issue. Theres a plethora of factors involved to get bogged down intellectually speaking, but choices are certainly involved.

[Palmieres]

I am the child of two people who suffered from addiction for decades: alcohol and gambling. Both of them caused immeasurable pain to themselves and their children. And no, it was never a choice, it was just a tragedy which befell two incredibly intelligent and kind people, who were themselves victims of their own past, including their childhood traumas. I love them both for who they were supposed to be - and often tried to be, without their pain.

[katevanes]

I am 37 days sober. I am spending more time getting to know myself, and becoming my own friend. I like myself more. Focusing on AA meetings and homework from my sponsor is great! Also remember... the opposite of addiction is connection, im connecting with people who add value to my life and who actually listen to what i have to say.

[Jennifer-bwku]

As someone who suffers with extreme severe anxiety I can totally relate to her. I would stop eating for days at a time as a punishment. I worry a lot about my life, everyone around me and pleasing everyone. It's absolutely crippling, so glad she got the help she needed, lovely young lady it's so sad that society has 1 in 3 people suffering mental health issues. I hope everyone seeks help

[roadtostrongestmanever]

Absolutely; I have sympathy for anyone that has an addiction of any sort. I myself had a severe pornography addiction up until a while ago. I pushed myself hard enough and well; I finally got rid of it by miraculous means. But any sort of addiction is nasty.

[Dumballa]

A world treasure. Thank you Gabor for all your work.