In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts

Close Encounters with Addiction
By Gabor Maté

A profound and compassionate exploration of addiction—and the path to healing.

In this groundbreaking work, Dr. Gabor Maté invites us to look beyond the surface of addiction and into the deeper human story beneath it.

Rather than viewing addiction as a failure of willpower or a condition affecting only a few, Maté reveals it as something far more universal—rooted in pain, shaped by experience, and woven into the fabric of our society.

At the heart of this book is a powerful truth:
To heal addiction, we must first understand it.

Inside, you’ll explore:

• The emotional and psychological roots of addiction
• How early life experiences shape behaviour and coping patterns
• The connection between trauma, brain chemistry, and dependency
• Addiction as a continuum—not a separate condition
• Why compassion is essential in the healing process

Drawing from decades of clinical work with individuals facing severe addiction, Maté blends real-life stories with neuroscience and global research—offering insight without judgment.

This is not a quick-fix or surface-level self-help book.
It’s an invitation into deeper awareness, understanding, and ultimately… healing.

Why this book stands out:

• Challenges mainstream narratives around addiction
• Offers a holistic, trauma-informed perspective
• Encourages self-understanding rather than shame
• Expands compassion—for yourself and others

Updated with a new chapter on the opioid crisis, this 10th anniversary edition remains as relevant and necessary as ever.

Product Details

• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 496
• ISBN: 9781785042201
• Dimensions: 19.7 x 12.5 cm