Is addiction a choice? | Big Questions with Gabor Maté

Dr Gabor Maté joins us at Penguin to answer some Big Questions on addiction, 'normality', and becoming your true self. Order your copy of 'The Myth of Normal' here: amzn.to/3UbbKA0
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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[@NunoAlexandreMB]

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

[@teamtoken]

Been following Gabor for a few years now, he had quite a few videos but he wasn’t getting the views he deserved. I was worried he was going drop off and be forgotten. So happy he’s been mainstreamed. His message needs to get to as many people as possible

[@Spiranic89]

Ah men, Yeah, people need to open their mind to change perspective on things he talks about.. He is not god, but he gave it a lot of tought and i think he is a pioneer to new steps in psycholigy (this is spelled wrong i guess?) Cause, its insane how we can cut people open, replace a broken liver with another and such, but psycholigy is like dark matter in a way.. you cant see, feel or hear, were u cut, what will help and what will make it worse... And yet whole systems are build like: WE KNOW THIS.... NO, your jumping a leap of faith to make the profit... Money, the worst addiction their is... Im blessed im not addicted to that scary stuff....People do unspoken things to get more money... Never chase that dragon omg!

[@jimbobb3509]

Well, he is Jewish

[@whotelakecity2001]

Yes, perhaps there is hope for the world. Gabor thank you for giving us hope.

[@sunch4352]

I agree! First saw him interviewed by Tom B

[@TraxisOnTheLines]

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

[@user-yy1uu9kw5l]

It's quoted from Nietzsche

[@AadhilRizwan]

Who am I?

[@HIMYMTR]

People are suckers for dumb cliches that don't mean anything

[@stevetheiii477]

what does that even mean?

[@E1M16]

"To conquer fat, you must become fat" - George Washington

[@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.

[@lauraashley1]

🙏🤍

[@whotelakecity2001]

Amen. How did you do that?

[@thetorontogirl]

@@whotelakecity2001 I started cutting toxic people out of my life and I began to do what I wanna do

[@Dzanarika1]

@Xander Niks families and education system need to learn this so that society can heal altogether.

[@coreaccountingservicesltd2890]

Why else did you do to become to your true self.

[@user-uy2zt6nz4t]

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.

[@matthewoberton1830]

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

[@DockyardDiva]

The Healer. OneLOve

[@dorijoe]

You're right! ❤💜

[@thegrinch0614]

His son Aaron Mate is an exceptional true journalist, but it’s no surprise when you were raised by this man.

[@SC-gw8np]

He’s a metaphysical healer, what all doctors should be.

[@dwilson6769]

Because he asked why? Don't you know how to ask why? why is it always one person that got to figure out what everyone else can figure out?

[@duncanself5111]

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

[@FleurPillager]

He said almost nothing about the science of addiction in this video.

[@stoonookw]

He is awesome

[@blondthought5175]

@@FleurPillager Science, of course, is the end-all and be-all. A booster awaits you.

[@TheDavveponken]

@@FleurPillager But now you know of his books on the subject. There are plenty of more videos with him on the tube btw.

[@SC-gw8np]

Not education, enlightenment.

[@APOLLINAIREBARTHOLOMIEU]

Psychedelics are just an exceptional mental health breakthrough. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against depression and anxiety. Saved my life.

[@Jennifer-bw7ku]

Can you help with the reliable source I would really appreciate it. Many people talk about mushrooms and psychedelics but nobody talks about where to get them. Very hard to get a reliable source here in Australia. Really need!

[@elizabethwilliams6651]

Yes, dr.sporesss. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

[@steceymorgan814]

I wish they were readily available in my place. Microdosing was my next plan of care for my husband. He is 59 & has so many mental health issues plus probable CTE & a TBI that left him in a coma 8 days. It's too late now I had to get a TPO as he's 6'6 300+ pound homicidal maniac. He's constantly talking about killing someone. He's violent. Anyone reading this Familiar w/ BPD know if it is common for an obsession with violence..

[@Jennifer-bw7ku]

Is he on instagram?

[@elizabethwilliams6651]

Yes he is. dr.sporesss

[@cnut4563a]

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.

[@FleurPillager]

Everyone does not have addiction or addicted behaviors that is false.

[@coreycox2345]

@@FleurPillager If one has an addictive personality, they know it. I do.

[@FleurPillager]

@@coreycox2345 There's a big difference between personality and having a biological addiction. People die from addiction every day, it's a very serious medical condition. Nothing to make light of or minimize.

[@ballinout92]

Never heard of anyone stealing from their own family to support their internet addiction

[@YourHighnessssss]

@@ballinout92 no, the internet addicted person destroys their family by being unavailable to them, by showing their loved ones they’re destroying themselves and by not wanting to being helped from an intention of love. Not stealing a physical thing like money, but an internet addict steals the joy of their closed ones. Addiction is addicition, no matter the behaviour or substance.

[@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.

[@patriciadocherty1445]

❤you have a beautiful soul x

[@litty4553]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@davidowen1191]

Wow, thats some emotionally intellectual stuff. Well done for coming to such profoundly difficult and accurate conclusions. You have the bravery of a lion and the spirit of a zen master my freind.

[@Andre-gj6ny]

Damn dude you made me cry.

[@Anonymous-km5pj]

one of the best wide angle views of parenting ive seen, maybe the best and yes, agreed. Here i am stealingl ur words now 🤣🤣🤣

[@mlhamiltonanderson5940]

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.

[@robynhope219]

Gabor admittedly is a workaholic...and shopaholic.

[@lemostjoyousrenegade]

Very well said! 🎯♥️

[@danielbooth5035]

How

[@rickywilliams1537]

“Owning one's choices and taking accountability” are again not black-and-white issues, particularly when certain dependencies are blurred and described as emotional responses. It's a process that honestly is not understood without understanding bodily autonomy And the intersections of cognitive processing/emotionality! Frankly, there is a lack of trauma-informed explanations of how it manifests. By definition addiction is dependency. In Western society, many people don’t recognize that dependency starts as early as when our parents insist that we finish all the plate food on our plates. We are taught to not listen to our body, and for a lot of people that disconnection of listening to your body and honoring your body starts as early as when we’re kids. This is important, because chalking addiction to a choice without understanding how our personal agency is taken from us does no one any good.

[@kierlak]

Well said. Number one human need: being authentic

[@paulduffy4585]

@Kareen Curry I know what you mean. Someone once described it as not so much changing who you are, as stripping away what you're not.

[@charlesbrown9749]

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.

[@johulu985]

I think it's dangerous to frame addiction as someone else's fault. There's definitely an aspect of addiction that is influenced by things out of our control and our childhood, but if we see it as not our fault then how can an addict have any chance to recover?

[@davidaugustine3686]

@Johulu Christ, you're ignorant. They don't teach people "addiction isn't your fault", therapists lead their patients on a journey of self discovery which helps them identify the factors which contribute to their addiction. For instance, if someone who was assaulted as a child starts using drugs, they might not realize the reason they started doing so was because they were dealing with PTSD from the assault. Once the patient realizes this, they are able to identify the pain they feel and take steps to mitigate it so they no longer feel compelled to take drugs. This is an (abbreviated version) established methodology which has been scientifically shown to help addicts. Read the literature before you comment nonsense opinions based on your hate of addicts.

[@johulu985]

@@davidaugustine3686 I’m definitely no expert on the matter, just posting my thoughts and how it relates to my experiences dealing with addictive tendencies. Regardless, I never once said in my comment that’s what therapists were doing. Maybe instead of assuming things about people and calling them names you could attempt to educate without resorting to childish name calling. But then what would be the point right? At the end of the day there has to be some level of responsibility for ones actions in order to overcome addiction. A conscious effort to correct the behaviors that are leading to harm, regardless of the reason why they started in the first place. I don’t know what I expected from a KZbin comment section though, have a nice life.

[@judipierry549]

@@johulu985 as one who has been there, you had it right. I have no idea why that person went off on you.

[@LinA-it9vd]

@@davidaugustine3686 I think he’s very spot on with his comment.

[@tanyapulliamtanya1343]

Withdraws are a half of it...... 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....❤️💙💓

[@etherashe5164]

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

[@gma340]

what can be so difficult to bear is how, after listening to plenty of Maté’s speeches for years, this understanding of addiction can come to be so obviously and objectively true, and yet the world still revolves in a way that’s completely blind to it. It’s as if we as a culture are addicted to seeing addiction in a completely false way. We can’t seem to shake antiquated senses of good/evil moral/immoral that are based on bullshit. Psychology and neuroscience are showing us everything we need to know. So let’s progress already!

[@shaunmacready701]

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

[@roadtostrongestmanever2099]

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.

[@adamcotton9657]

Pornography is a horrible vice it destroys families, young/ old, men and women sooner they remove it all the better it will be for everyone.

[@marielleo4715]

I am addicted by Gabor Máté because I am not able to stop learning from him! That's incredible!

[@tatianacruz5013]

same lmao!

[@annajaworska3627]

He is just refreshing your memory ☮

[@chesterwilberforce9832]

God bless you, Dr. Mate. Last July 5th was my 34th sober "birthday" as AA calls them. I may have chosen my first beer, but I didn't choose my second. In the 90's when I began experiencing chronic back pain, doctors would have their scrip pads out before you could finish a sentence - 90 hydrocodone. No one chooses to become addicted. Who the hell would? Broken people choose to ease their pain, always have and always will. I have gone through the nightmares of quitting alcohol, nicotine, and 8 days of hell on earth going through opiate detox. Who... would... choose... this?? This video made my day much easier. We grow up thinking it is our fault and we are weak willed and intrinsically flawed.

[@mrburnout]

Religion (and AA) is great at making people feel weak and intrinsically flawed, and that they should be fixed (by the very structures that made them feel that way)

[@richardthomasmirabito4197]

Allergy of the body compulsion of the mind and a life acceptance problem. AA is the Wrench that fits every nut. AA the fellowship saved my life. 1994 I began the jouney " Trudge the road to happy destiny ".

[@charlenewhittaker1674]

But the worm is turning my friend!! i live in the UK and they still have no idea whatsoever over here... i struggled for 24 years and over that time the loudest point the drug centre wanted to drill home was that i was weak and morally devoid...they literally told me to 'punish myself' if i used with things like cold showers/ beasting in the gym and i kicked myself for every time i used and am still drowning in shame because of how they treated me. I started to use at 12 years old after a traumatic childhood... so i made a choice at 12.. one single life altering no turning back choice as a child and in my society that puts me along with thousands of others like me in a bracket with paedophiles and murderers. I have sat in hundreds of drug rooms over the years and every person i have ever met is up to their neck in some sort of sadness. I wanted to see the stigma removed before i die and i thought it was going to be another 2 decades before people started to understand the soul destroying dilemma that is addiction and show some empathy... i saw a clip of Americas got talent the other day where a guy got a standing ovation for getting clean after 10 years and it made my day. Well done on the opiate detox btw... and 34 years sober is something i can only dream of: you should be real proud of yourself

[@ln5747]

You are/were weak willed. Addiction doesn't exist.

[@ln5747]

​@@richardthomasmirabito4197allergy of the body mumbo jumbo 😂

[@Dumballa]

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

[@paulwally9007]

13 minutes of solid absolutely essential information for life. Thank you Mr Mate.

[@paulwally9007]

@Selina Kyle Perhaps you'd care to explain your position?

[@paulwally9007]

@Selina Kyle Addiction is not, TECHNICALLY, a disease. But it's a useful framework for viewing it. But addiction certainly IS NOT a choice. Who would CHOOSE to be addicted to something? And do you think people choose their SPECIFIC addictions -like I can choose to be addicted to gambling instead od alcohol?

[@mezak7988]

Man...8 yrs ago I was struggling w heroin addiction and drinking. Started taking lsd, found this guy's videos talking about addiction, childhood trauma ect while on lsd, and he permanently changed my view on addiction. It became a much easier process from there. Forgot his name and how to find him. Years into sobriety, I began admiring Aaron mate's work on russiagate, us foreign policy, and had my mind blown several times. Quite surprised to realize these guys are related! So cool! I so deeply appreciate dr. Mate's work w addiction and childhood trauma.

[@mezak7988]

7 years sober as of today btw

[@axlx2863]

@@mezak7988 congrats ❤

[@bradadair3757]

Lsd helped me alot, and more people need too hear this!

[@merrylynnallison6922]

Dr Gabor Mate is the very definition of a HEALER. Trauma =Addiction.

[@BartAnderson_writer]

Bought the e-book from Kobo a few days ago. I've followed Gabor Mate for years. I've always felt I could depend on him for a well-balanced and honest viewpoint.

[@KimberlyJose-si2sv]

I started drinking alcohol since my teenage, spent my whole life fighting alcohol addiction. Alcohol addiction actually destroyed my life. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Not until a friend recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

[@Qing__001]

Amen God bless people. Save your health save your mind. Life is better without heroin, cocaine, alcohol and cigarettes. And you have more money in your pocket. God bless everyone who has rejected the devils intentions to be addicted to alcohol and cigarettes etc which can cause so much damage to health.

[@JanetRichardson-mq5es]

Can you help me with the reliable source 🙏. I'm 56 and have suffered for years with addiction, anxiety and severe ptsd, I got my panic attacks under control myself years ago and they have come back with a vengeance, I'm constantly trying to take full breaths but can't get the full satisfying breath out, it's absolutely crippling me, i live in Germany. I don't know much about these mushrooms. Really need a reliable source!! Can't wait to get them.

[@DonnHowes]

YES very sure of Dr.medshrooms. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

[@Edennnn926]

I'm really happy for you that your friend decided to help you...I hear about alot of family members or so called friends shutting an addict out of their life, which since most addicts do it to mask emotions to me is the worse thing someone can do to an addict.

[@samhenry75]

How do I reach out to him? Is he on Instagram

[@wallacepeeace6492]

This man is one of the most intelligent person I've ever listened to. At a former drug and alcohol abuser I know exactly what he's talking about. I didn't find religion or anything like that but I found some beautiful people who cared about my health and directed me to an awesome trauma therapist who showed me who I really am! Yup...smart man.

[@claresente]

I'm so happy to hear that you found healing.

[@wallacepeeace6492]

@@claresente I try to tell anyone who will listen about trauma therapy and the wonders of this little known treatment but people will never understand until they actually live it and feel the freedom I never knew was this comforting.

[@francesbeth2077]

God is a spirit. He lives and resides in us if we follow his teachings, commandments and guidance.

[@lightworker4512]

@@francesbeth2077 when you awaken, you realize you are an infinite eternal spirit of the Creator as everyone is. Our humanity, our ego veils our true identity and we believe we are sinners and God is outside ourselves.

[@wallacepeeace6492]

@@lightworker4512 Francis is going straight to hell because of these poor bastards being led to the slaughter! That so-called "religion" conducts itself exactly like any other CULT!!! All y'all are going straight to HELL to burn for all eternity that YOU idiots created for YOURSELVES...🙄

[@robertafoginthemorning6678]

This makes so much sense to me, for a longest time, I thought people ( family) hated me because I was born. A lot to heal, for my children are so broken, all because I was broken to pieces.

[@Bojan_V]

All of you will heal💚in time...

[@illicitleafcombuster]

Your family will forgive you in time as long as you work every day to achieve it. In fact they will be more proud of you than you could ever imagine.

[@hillcountry871]

At 68,there is hope!!! WOW!!!

[@nicolaihilckmann4677]

I met him numerous times in Vancouver, discussed the downtown east side of Vancouver and compared Amsterdam's and Vancouver's drug policies. He's a brilliant man.

[@Milestonemonger]

This helped me become more tolerant of others people's pain.

[@sandracid4987]

Life began changing since the first time I heard what goes out of his mouth. Thanks to you Mister G.

[@mariesaunders6137]

BRAVO Dr.Maté ..... Such intelligent, compassionate, understanding, respectful human being.Bledsings,light and love to all.🙏❤️❤️❤️✨✨✨🌈

[@fredhair]

Penguin have published some of my favourite books written in modern times. It's brilliant now that we have so much information freely available at our fingertips but the physical media of the written word is still a powerful and thoroughly enjoyable tool. For these books to be made at high quality and an affordable price is a modern marvel and I'm so grateful that such experienced and intellectual people as Gabor Maté, Jordan Peterson, Daniel Kahneman and many others have the opportunity to impart their ideas, explanations, findings and opinions by this medium. Thank you Penguin for not 'cancelling' these people on the whims of narcissistic bullies, but instead still encouraging each generation to read top quality books by top quality authors!

[@BeingQuotient]

Information has been hidden from us, by those seeking power to control: governments, religions, corporations.We now live in a time of infinite information.This changed the game from a lack of information to an over abundance of information. Instead of ignorance by design, we are in confusion and delusion by lack of the ability to know what is true. We need a fresh mindset. Discernment, conscious and clear discernment is now the path to sanity and healing. One has to be in touch with authenticity to discern what is true from merely re-acting from our trauma. Gabor is pointing at this. Jordan Peterson is an example of someone passionately but blindly living in and from their trauma. Don't believe me. Don't believe him. Look inside yourself for the truth. Discernment. Compassionate Curiosity, not judgement. not anger. not blindly believing others for how they stir us inside. Find what triggers you. Defuse the emotional bomb inside of you. It is not "them" doing something to trigger you, it is how you are reacting to what happened. You have the power to become who you are.

[@fredhair]

@@BeingQuotient You have the power to not post a load of nonsense, use that power! Become who you should be rather than what you are.

[@Kitti_B]

when I'm listening to him I feel pride. He is Hungarian and we need more people like him to spread how loving and smart we can be. We are not just what you can hear on the news.

[@Georgie3463]

Me too

[@stevencooke1027]

One of my favourite speakers and thinkers. If only we had more Gabor Mates.

[@bonbondesel]

A huge thanks Dr Mate ! You understand it all. My best friend died "committing" suicide after decades of suffering. He was an addict. Suffering from Big trauma. I tried almost half of my life to help him as he was to me a brother. So I had to understand him. And yes this is not a choice. This is never a choice. And yes addiction is a direct consequence of traumas. Including the stress of his mother during pregnancy. I met several addicts, several doctors and read a lot as what was happening to my friend was affecting me a lot. Much more than I thought. I wanted to understand and to help. THANKS DOCTOR YOU ARE THE ONE WHO UNDERSTAND THE MOST ADDICTION. REALLY. THE WORLD NEEDS MORE DOCTORS LIKE YOU. A HUGE THANKS FOR TRYING TO EDUCATE OTHERS AND THANKS FOR THIS CHANNEL TO POST THAT !

[@Lemoncare]

Thank you for being a friend.

[@SuperMsgeorgia]

God bless you Dr Mate.Your work in the 'trenches" make you a genius of understanding addiction, and then explain it from a place of deep, experiential wisdom. Your courage to witness and then try to understand the worst of the worst self medication that manifests as self destructiion, and then share your wisdom, is a profound gift to humanity. Thank God more people now know this man's work.

[@Peace4All09]

I Cheer out loud every-time Dr Gabor speaks because he is on point, we need about a million of him to become our visions of Peace. Any recovered drug affected person "if listened too" would high five Dr Gabor & feel like they see a light at the end of a tunnel again. All our doctors world wide, need to have The Myth Of Normal as a full time study module before attaining the stamp "DOCTOR" & before stepping into working with others. Love Your Work Dr Gabor, am a huge fan. 🙏

[@BernardTaylor]

At last hope and release for vulnerable people, and a path to healing for all those in pain and who otherwise would be hurt and sadly often are by the so called 'normal' system. Gabor, through all his humanness bravely shares a message the World needs to hear, and hear now, especially at this time of personal and global turmoil 💗

[@meganm4350]

"Can people change who they are? They need to become who they are." I feel like my whole reality just shifted.

[@oe1freak]

Wow, great content without disturbing "music"! Thank you so much!

[@eeunday]

I’m thinking that I’m very blessed person listening this highly studied contents. I am intrested in understanding the process who you are before the children Truma, it also helps to getting know about the multi-layered of human . I really honor to your research to heal the people who have the soul not to be limited and cared.

[@empowerempathsnow9192]

He is just so riveting 🧐 to listen to and exactly on point with his wisdom on life! I love ❤️ him!

[@katevanes4556]

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.

[@sagebay2803]

IDK, I used to BEG my parents to stop drinking, stop shopping, stop smoking, just stop it! but they would laugh at me and tell me to shut up and why can't I just enjoy things? We had to have the best of everything, so people thought we were wealthy. It was all smoke and mirrors. They were so arrogant and I was so ashamed of them and angry for having to hide the truth. So! They knew what they were doing...they CHOSE to keep doing it. So, I don't understand how alcoholism is not a choice? Also, we were very religious...had to show people how good we were. ugh. Now they are old and are begging to come back into my life. I am so disgusted. They are broke, in their 80s. I just don't see how it is NOT a choice. Thanks for letting me ramble.

[@zaiphu]

He’s saying that it is a reaction to pain, and that we are not in a state of mind to make a sober decision on what’s best. I don’t think the point here is to absolve addicts of all responsibility, or to invalidate your personal trauma.

[@annan4866]

Thank you for sharing ❤️ everyone needs to hear this!

[@kitnoCC]

Man, that content is pure gold. Thanks for doing this interview and sharing it with the world.

[@RikRoxbrix121]

Awakening, more so for some than others. An addict can understand and relate to his teachings. Much appreciate your knowledge and teachings, brings understanding and hope to finally one day find healing and live healthier and pain free.

[@Sarinhajd]

Absolutely amazing! Loved it! I'm going to buy his book!

[@zach3409]

I have lost my marriage and significant time with my 4 year old daughter largely due to a struggle with a behavioral/routine pattern that I somehow got myself rutted into bad (not drugs, gambling, sex etc). I couldn't understand it for the longest time until recently, when I chalked it up to it being something that's became so routine and engrained in my day to day that it became "addictive" because it became comfortable and familiar from the ongoing cycle...Despite simultaneously not wanting to continue that cycle and knowing it was causing hardship/strain on the bigger picture. As weird and upside down as that seems. Side note:You commonly hear people spew that addiction is a disease. I'd say it's more of some type of disorder than a "disease".

[@katherinemoorhead338]

Gabor is, without a doubt, the brilliant mind of our time. His understanding of addiction has helped me heal

[@louisesumrell6331]

Working with alcoholics in a twelve step program, I've found that most have made up wonderful childhood stories that some of them seem to have grown to actually believe. Those people become dependent on constant involvement in the program in oreder to stay sober. They never engage with the underlying causes of their problem. -weezi-💖🙏💜🙏

[@larryc7209]

many do seek professional help and then join AA or another program to get continued support

[@skronked]

"Can people change who they are... need to be who they are" G. Mate is my hero!

[@westerling8436]

My younger brother had the exact same upbringing as me, yet he was a drug addict for years while I was studying in college and doing competitive sports...

[@annekerotterdam7499]

True!

[@davidbaker8196]

Even if your brother was your identical twin, it would be absolutely impossible for him to have the exact upbringing as you my friend.

[@acrez3260]

Thank you Gabor for waking me up to my patterns. I’m definitely an internet addict, I use it all day compulsively to escape my feelings, but I was in denial for a long time because “everyone uses the internet”. I’ve quit pornography recently so I don’t think I’ll quit completely yet but I know which direction I need to go in. Thank you so much ❤

[@aderodriguez3481]

Amazing Guy, Finally somebody interviewed someone that exposed this problems with society, drugs addiction etc. He expressed super eloquent and just goes to the point and nailed all the problems that we have in society. Super smart and knowledgeable👍🙏

[@DirectorHMAN]

Having worked in Prison I can tell you they are about 30-40 years behind with their methods of approach. It's not something that can easily change overnight, main reason is the lack of funding. The more they cut their funds the more they stop with helpful but expensive programs that help the prisoners.

[@MrMeh23]

becoming who we are as opposed to changing who we are. I was not prepared for how hard that hit me

[@AnnaDN76]

I am afraid I am now addicted to Dr Gabor Maté's work. Since I discovered this amazing man a few weeks ago, I cannot stop watching his interviews ! I now need to get that book.

[@kathleendelaney335]

I love listening every week to this remarkable man it all makes sense its definitely not a choice

[@NigelGrab]

Listening to Scattered Minds changed my life and confirmed that I should seek an ADHD assessment - leading me to start meds and realise there's a reason I am the way I am. Thankyou Dr Maté.

[@jdewit8148]

I love the message you bring doctor Gabor.

[@raymondblake5765]

I am gonna be honest here: Gabor mate is the best!

[@noahbrown4388]

Love this man! ☺️

[@puffing_bear]

This guy is a legend

[@Acrycius]

Living in a time where the great contemporary philosophers, writers, thinkers,... Are exposed to common human in this way is a unseen and true blessing!

[@lorrainekrane2385]

This man is so bright and loving!

[@kirchb]

Fascinating! Finally someone who has a grasp on what it is to be human.

[@Dzanarika1]

It is about time this gets talked about.

[@BeatheSommer]

I absolutely love this!

[@uncoolcat95]

Speaking from personal experience, the short answer is yes.

[@Left_it]

Telling the truth itself is a revolutionary act

[@wolfthequarrelsome504]

We all have had traumatic experiences so why aren't we all addicted?

[@kencur9690]

Yeah, there are plenty of flaws in his argument. You aren’t addicted because you *chose* not to get into the addiction. Very simplistic thinking employed here, unfortunately.

[@kencur9690]

@@kimilsungthefirst6840 right. Well so do murderers and rapists and paeodophiles. It has been shown that these people are stimulated to act and feel “euphoric effects” that others do not. Take serial killers for instance. They are moved and stimulated to act by forces not present (or present to a lesser degree) by others. So, how does this tie in with your point. What are we to do? Are we to simply ignore that the above *chose* to act on that stimulation, and absolve them of all responsibility in their actions?

[@gebtmirschuld]

As soon as you reject help, you choose your future path. So in some way addiction is a choice.

[@suzannemaroney4579]

People choose to self medicate, they don’t choose to be addicted, there’s a big difference…..just my opinion. I can’t explain why it takes so long for someone to accept help….one idea is the drug has become their best friend because it has helped them cope with their emotions, and they don’t want to give up their best friend….

[@kayladixon3734]

This video, and the comments section, has restored my hope in society.

[@clayoreilly4553]

Thank your sharing your wisdom, Dr, Mate'. I very much appreciate these insights to myself and to others.

[@dreammachine432]

This dude is blowing my mind

[@hardware199]

2:40 "...some even more toxic than heroin, but legal like alcohol."

[@brunoborce8951]

This men had a very big impact in my life when i first discover his revolutionary approach towards addiction. I was blaming my self so much thinking that this selfdistructive patters that made me disassociate was by pure free will and not as a consequence of our treatment during the vulnerable and fragile infancy. Now instead of blaming and shame i seek feelings of compassion towards my self and in moments of recession and i feel like i am going towards a learning curve that seemed to be stuck for so long. I also totally agree about autoimune disease and the bigger significance of our chronological negative emotions can impact these on oir bodies and it totally makes sense. We seek to disassociate by distracting our self with negative consequential behaviors or substance additions until the body gives you, for example a herniated disk. That pain would be so intense and distracting that will force you meditate towards your body and drag attention to your phisical alarms. This leads to question our needs that in this case are disassociated from our true authenticity, forcing us to think about those esencial questions of personal needs.

[@dormammusubjective5774]

Finally, someone said what I've been thinking about and trying to articulate the last 8 years (addict at 16, recovery starting at 27 when I figured out why I was an addict and now I'm 36 and sober) though obviously in more depth as this gentleman is much smarter than I. I never understood why people thought anger or scolding is a good route to take when you confront an addict. I guess salt is good for wounds. And yes, of course there are many exceptions to that. The addict has to do their parts as well.

[@TejasM14]

Another take on a similar question is "The Sane Society", a work by the Eric Fromm who translated a lot of Freud's work. His take was the same, society presents itself as sane, but in reality is not. Further more it is leading to the destruction of human potential. I don't expect much to change, except for the worse. However, individuals can either get off entirely or cope better on the rat race with findings from such books.

[@soniatorretta5046]

Nice presentation dr. Mate. I have bought your book after your interview with Tim Ferriss. Wishing you a lon, hapy and productive life. Wanna read more from you! 😊

[@9ersfannorth531]

You are my hero for articulating to the world how many of our "choices" are under psychological, biological, and social duress! It helps to alleviate blame for myself or others when we disappoint and promotes an attitude of understanding instead of judgment. It leads me to believe that whenever I catch myself judging another person, I probably know little about them and I should stop because I'm indulging my own ignorance. And we must not do that.

[@drendelous]

humanity can be proud of itself having Gabor as its ambassador

[@fatimamelo3858]

Doctor thank you so much to teaching people the why's of our behavior! People with profession similar to yours,make wounded people feel like it is our fault!

[@LinA-it9vd]

Why is it about blame rather than responsibility?

[@happydillpickle]

Gabor Maté is perhaps the greatest mind on the subject of the human condition, on trauma, addiction and suffering. I absolutely love his work. What a brilliant person. But, Penguin: why ruin a perfectly good video with those horrifying jazz cymbals? Too loud; if you have tinnitus you will understand 🤣

[@reachmyco_scott7oninstafor369]

Look up👆👆We sell all authentic and well refined products of psychedelics..we ship and deliver worldwide..

[@englishwithneil]

Such a wise man. Thank you for sharing.

[@bitscrawford]

the way dr maté speaks about god is so powerful. it made me feel seen and heard and understood, and honestly made me cry. thank you dr. maté, for everything you do

[@vegassims7]

Having had addicted qualities in my own persona, I can equivocally state that addiction is a choice and not a result of prior programming.

[@carolynw45]

Normal, is the button on a washing machine ✨

[@Rema728]

👆👆look up that handle, he ships swiftly, and he got shrooms, Dmt, lsd, mmda, psilocybin, chocolate bars, he's got a lot.. 🍄 💊🍄🍫💯🔌...

[@nedthumberland]

I'm thanful for Dr. Mate's expertise and wisdom.

[@fatimamelo3858]

Oh my ,we needed him ...in many societies ,if you are rich and beautifull why would you use those substances!?even his handsome face demonstrates what he is talking about...not selling anything.Thank you Sir ,you are one of a kind human and doctor.

[@MrHeleenify]

I am a bit dissatisfied with where the topic of addiction went towards. I understand to become addicted is not a choice, but I do think the traumas experienced in life can be resolved through inner work instead of soothed through addiction. In that sense addiction would still be a choice (as far as I understand) but you would need to identify the addiction and accept it will take a lot of work and uncomfortableness to resolve the addiction. You don’t need professional resources to work on yourself, but you need the knowledge, which may be harder to get to for some people.

[@Gringavaitecontar]

Best comment here!! We are all broken somehow....but we can chose to do the job!! For some people blaming parent, .... whoever is the best way in order not to do the hard Work ...

[@gszikra]

I feel I have a lot in common with Dr. Mate. I grew up in communist Hungary too. I have been to Vipassana. I have read the book Vinnie the Poo (Mici macko). And my first name is also Gabor.

[@claresente]

I have a father who grew up in communist Hungary and spent 10 years of his life from 1946-56 in a political prison after coming back from serving in war. So from age 21-31 he was in prison sentenced for life for not being a communist. Same time Dr. Mate left Hungary, at the time of the Hungarian Revolution. My father was able to escape prison because the Russion guards feared for their lives and left. He led a group of prisoners (at night) and headed to Vienna in Nov 1956. There he met my mom and they immigrated to the US. He never talked about his prison days or how his parents and sister died from the Russians, but that trauma was there. I feel that Dr. Mate helps me understand my father, mother, and myself better on how trauma affects us. I wish you well.

[@Rema728]

👆👆look up that handle, he ships swiftly, and he got shrooms, Dmt, lsd, mmda, psilocybin, chocolate bars, he's got a lot.. 🍄 💊🍄🍫💯🔌...

[@Dzanarika1]

@@claresente thank you so much for sharing your story. It makes so much sense why, we, as humans , are so messed up. It is a vicious circle indeed. It is about time to start talking about it and stop shaming people for their traumas and experiences. However, in order for any change to start happening, we first need to recognize the root problem, get educated about, inform other fellow humans about it and star our healing process, step by step. The whole society needs healing.

[@user-go7zy3fc5f]

I knew a psychologist that treated specifically men suffering from alcoholism. He said every client of his over his 40 years as a service provider was a victim of sexual abuse often times child sexual abuse.

[@dontbelongherefromanotherp9807]

When you seriously think about it, drug and alcohol addiction is not a choice. It's self-medicating to alleviate emotional pain

[@kennethmoore-cq7bj]

Its a choice to self medicate!

[@dontbelongherefromanotherp9807]

@@kennethmoore-cq7bjpossibly for some but not all. Depending on how strong-willed an individual is, or whether they have collateral, like hobbies or support systems put in place that lessens the psychological need to self-medicate. To a great degree, there's little free will in them having the privilege to decline drug or alcohol use to cope

[@kennethmoore-cq7bj]

​@@dontbelongherefromanotherp9807 I agree with that,but if you do not have those things in place they can be developed.I have been training for 40 years now and found healthy ways to work with the fallout of my my childhood and its trauma.I was 23 years old when I made my decision and all I had was a plastic garbage bag with some clothes in it no more.When I told my father that I was making the decision to get sober he told me not to come around anymore,that was the extent of my physical support!

[@paulduffy4585]

@@kennethmoore-cq7bj Addiction is an OCD, among other things, compulsion implies a lack of choice. And, when it comes to obsessive thinking, willpower works against you. Please do not spread ignorance. No one chooses misery. It is much more complex than that.

[@paulduffy4585]

@@kennethmoore-cq7bj why did he drink two quarts of whisky a day for 35 years if he could have simply chosen not to? This is a language issue. Accepting total personal responsibility is a method for sobriety. That doesn't mean it is the whole truth about alcoholism. Addiction is an obsessive compulsion disorder. Compulsion, by its very definition, implies a lack of choice, in the conventional sense, at the chemical level. That's no victim narrative. That's seeking to understand something in order to overcome it.

[@slotenmakerdenhaag]

I beg to disagree Gabor: the fact that so many people who are traumatised later become addicted does not constitute evidence equating the original trauma to addiction one on one. There are any number of intermediate factors that also play a role, for example, society, economic status, et cetera. And one of those factors surely has to be the choices the individual makes. To deny this is to deny that the individual has free will and that given the worst of circumstances individuals may make different choices that result in healing or addiction.So, yes, trauma plays a role in predisposing individuals towards Destructive behaviours, and so do their choices.

[@KssN27]

This is similar to what is taught at UCLA- trauma shapes our self narrative which creates a low baseline we try to fix with outside sources. We can change our narrative and find coping skills. CBT and meditation was really highlighted. Appreciative of the self reflection and community of steps programs ❤

[@kalayne6713]

Gabor. What a gift this man is.

[@avgwhitegurl6646]

I think there is a point where you know when you are at the fork in the road and you choose to catch yourself or you go over the cliff

[@TheDavveponken]

But what if you hate your situation or yourself to the point that you don't care anymore? That you are incapable of caring if you live or die? But you are not ready to die, but simply want to feel good for a moment? What about then?

[@avgwhitegurl6646]

@@TheDavveponken Meditation helped me a lot and gave me a new way of thinking and caring for myself. I highly recommend that you search for meditation and self care channels and really give it a chance. Check out Fearless Soul, fir a quick pick me up. Denzel Washington has some good stuff, as does Steve Harvey and check out law of attraction, which helps you understand that if you don't ask for things or want them, you won't have any direction or goals. Listen on the way to work and start your day positive. A year from now you will be a different person. Your current situation is temporary and things will get better!

[@TheDavveponken]

​@@avgwhitegurl6646 I wasn't so much writing about myself, but still thanks for the recommendations. I was talking about an example, but now I no longer know what for. I think the whole law of attraction thing is bs though. I think I need a looong vacation, and some money.. But thank you for the kind words! All the best.

[@avgwhitegurl6646]

@@TheDavveponken Good luck, but just remember that if you don't ask for what you want, how will you get it?

[@behabtwa]

realizing that in fact it was my choice to be an addict fucking saved me.