Bibliotherapy: In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction by Gabor Maté
In his book, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction Gabor Maté discusses how “addiction is neither a choice nor primarily a disease,” instead it is a human being’s “desperate attempt to solve a problem: the problem of emotional pain, of overwhelming stress, of lost connection, of loss of control, of deep discomfort with the self.”
He talks about “hurt is at the center of all addictive behaviors” and so we should be asking, “Why the pain?” and not “Why the addiction?” He notes that the focus of the addiction does not matter whether it is drugs, alcohol, sex, shopping, gambling, gaming, etc.
Maté discusses how stress and trauma lead to addiction. Addiction’s purpose is to create an altered physiological state in the brain. “On a physiological level, drug addiction is a matter of brain chemistry gone askew.” The addiction process utilizes the brain circuits of pain relief, reward, and motivation. “People become addicted to their own brain chemicals.” There are notable brain differences in those who struggle with addiction that often begin in early life.
The environmental conditions of nutrition, security, and nurturing lead to healthy brain development. Attachment to a secure, available, stress-free adult is paramount for the healthy development of a child and protects against addiction behaviors. Maté provides evidence that addiction is not in the genes, it is due to the environment in which a child’s “opioid attachment-reward system, dopamine-based incentive-motivation apparatus, and the self-regulation areas of the prefrontal cortex” develop.
He draws attention to the adolescent years and how close, connected relationships with adults can help adolescents successfully navigate the sense of dislocation that can happen from peers and culture, and ward-off addiction.
He attacks the American “War on Drugs,” and advocates for harm reduction approaches to treat those with addiction. He encourages readers to learn, to be curious, and to cultivate spiritual connection. Maté challenges us to see the humanity in those suffering with addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, resources are available for learning and support. Coriander Living Collective is here for you.
