Is addiction a choice? | Big Questions with Gabor Maté

[@Eric-b6l4g]

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.

[@willklee]

God bless you brother

[@brandonjauregui4302]

From one recovering addict to another. ❤

[@felisasolares7311]

Bless you Sr. ❤

[@brittanywil9152]

Omg, this made me tear up reading it. Thank you for sharing such a powerful and inspiring reflection of your journey! Your strength and honesty are truly incredible.

[@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

[@shaunmacready701]

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

[@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....❤️💙💓

[@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.

[@soulmoversband]

Agreed - and when that pre-set survival response starts before 6 or so there is no healthy mental state to connect with or refer to - the “emotional DNA” is mangled - has become untrustworthy…

[@etherashe5164]

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

[@robynhope219]

O, they do...many ppl dislike him.

[@libraonthecusp6821]

@@robynhope219 Why?

[@robynhope219]

@@libraonthecusp6821 Various reasons...I won't go into details anymore...it's all been said.

[@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.

[@renzo6490]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@matthew13579]

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[@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.

[@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.

[@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 🤣🤣🤣

[@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.

[@hillcountry871]

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

[@Jennifer-bw7ku]

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

[@steceymorgan814]

People need to realise that people with anxiety disorders have oversensitised nerves, it's not a simple case of manning up and getting over it.

[@patriaciasmith3499]

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

[@elizabethwilliams6651]

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

[@patriaciasmith3499]

Please, how do I reach doctor Greg?

[@patriaciasmith3499]

Is he on the internet?

[@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.

[@robynhope219]

​@@adamcotton9657better than being a drug addict

[@Dumballa]

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

[@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 😂

[@Milestonemonger]

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

[@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!

[@merrylynnallison6922]

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

[@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 ☮

[@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?

[@adrianwilkinson4790]

Finally the Truth , what a gem, give the man a Nobel Prize and follow his Way.

[@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 !

[@Thatsbannanas-d8c]

Thank you for being a friend.

[@oe1freak]

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

[@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.

[@iowabyslipknot]

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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@dillionchatmsn6349]

Trying something is a choice, addiction is the act of losing that choice, more and more over time.

[@robynhope219]

Exactly so!

[@sandracid4987]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@robynhope219]

How is he brilliant??? He hasn't changed anything!

[@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.

[@meganm4350]

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

[@katherinemoorhead338]

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

[@stevencooke1027]

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

[@rupertguenther]

This is spot on. ..The truth is that our "normal" is a scene of horrendous neglect of everything we need to feel healthy and loved as human beings..and we have normalised it as "there's nothing wrong". The fact is that those who are using their massive degree of influence to have endless wars instead of nourishing humanity like Mate is, they are horrendously damaged individuals. They are addicted to alleviating their untreated pain. Mate should head the UN and teach all nations a better way.

[@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.

[@DonnDenisse]

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.

[@laurj09]

Yes he's Dr.medshrooms. Shrooms to me is a natrual healer. I know a guy who has used mushrooms in the same way and they have really helped him. mah dudes have safe trips all.

[@Marylongor]

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.

[@nicholda436]

Does he ship? Can he deliver to me here in Albania 🇦🇱

[@Frank-cs6rg]

@JanetRichardson-mq5esNederlands. You can buy it in smart shops. But it is not legal to bring it to germany. Just saying…

[@drendelous]

humanity can be proud of itself having Gabor as its ambassador

[@mariesaunders6137]

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

[@kayladixon3734]

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

[@skronked]

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

[@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 💗

[@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. 🙏

[@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.

[@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...🙄

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@empowerempathsnow9192]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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".

[@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.

[@brendafrechette1123]

Authentically wise beyond words....

[@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👍🙏

[@kitnoCC]

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

[@nemonucliosis]

Being an addict for whatever reason doesnt excuse violent and aggressive behavior towards others. Having a traumatic life experience doesnt give you the the right to rob or physical harm someone. Have a "past" doesnt give you free reign to trash, vandalize or leave garbage wherever you want.

[@saidmohamoudi]

One of the best video I have ever watched

[@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 ❤

[@Sarinhajd]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@Darren-sn4ki]

I have addiction problems since o was a kid I suffer from C-PTSD and narcissistic abuse family emotional abuse and trauma and emotional neglect and religious trauma too

[@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?

[@annan4866]

Thank you for sharing ❤️ everyone needs to hear this!

[@questioneverything8876]

It was a blessing to have opiates in my life when I needed them. I resent the term addict and prefer the term self medicating. The phase in my life served its purpose. It enabled me to cope.I have not felt the urge to use opiates for over 25 yrs.My point is the term addict is not helpful but rather another discourse worthy of deconstruction. The term addict is demeaning and devalues genuinely helpful coping mechanisms .

[@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.

[@kirchb]

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

[@Dzanarika1]

It is about time this gets talked about.

[@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

[@puffing_bear]

This guy is a legend

[@nedthumberland]

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

[@hardware199]

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

[@jdewit8148]

I love the message you bring doctor Gabor.

[@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.

[@fuzzcityrecords432]

This dude is blowing my mind

[@uncoolcat95]

Speaking from personal experience, the short answer is yes.

[@noahbrown4388]

Love this man! ☺️

[@kathleendelaney335]

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

[@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..

[@lorrainekrane2385]

This man is so bright and loving!

[@bwiz6514]

It's not the assumption that people chose to be addicted, but that they chose to do something they knew was addictive. And that choice led to addiction. Obviously, there are exceptions like the predatory practices of Purdue Pharma, etc...But it's also a choice to get help or not. If you choose not to get help, you are choosing to be addicted.

[@TheDavveponken]

You're missing the point.

[@kalayne6713]

Gabor. What a gift this man is.

[@BeatheSommer]

I absolutely love this!

[@robertbehrendt3015]

I am addicted to the daily practice of Transcendental Meditation for most of my life now. This practice has enabled me to go beyond the normal to experience what everyone has the potential to experience in their own awareness, pure being the fundadamental basis of our existence. Without this experience we cannot fully appreciate what we have and navigate through the vicissitudes of the human condition. The experience of pure being is our essential nature and without it we are sub human swimming against the evolutionarily current, ill equipped to evolve and contribute to the lessening of suffering.

[@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 ...

[@RainFall-wz2yp]

The loss of self is the essence of trauma.

[@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.

[@stephaniewilliams732]

wow, such great information. I wish everyone could watch this video and stop judging people so harshly.

[@kathleenbristol6747]

To many narcissistic people through out the world,lack of empathy

[@alvodin6197]

Unfortunately, that is the case. Just remember who you are and don't let those assholes fuck up your state of mind.

[@heartdawg]

Then there are the sociopaths.

[@kathyt416]

It is in the beginning, but after a while, the addiction takes over. I've been amazed a few times to see people who told me how awful their parents were with an addiction to them, to them taking up the very same thing. "Oh, I have control"...." I'm just casual....." All of them now have the same issues as their parents. It's very strange to see something awful repeat slowly across time. I've known two others who just totally avoided alcohol for this reason and they are sober today. People have the power to change, esp when something is so close to them.

[@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! 😊