This book was published in 2007, and I've recommended it to every single person I've talked to about drug policy for the last 15 years.
Maté just published a new book, "The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture" which sounds pretty pop-sci from the title but which is a cool 560 pgs long and which is reviewed positively on the dust jacket by Orb Mommy/Marianne Williamson ("Gabor Maté articulate bluntly, brilliantly, and passionately what all of us instinctively know but none of us really want to face: the entire social construct of the world we're living in is deeply flawed.")
"In the Realms of Hungry Ghosts" is a MUST READ for anyone who takes addiction, trauma, the justice system and/or western imperialist drug policy seriously. It is a window in to the cycle of suffering that creates and perpetuates all kinds of addiction. In the Realms of Hungry Ghosts examines how addiction cannot be separated from the broader context of socio-political factors such as poverty, discrimination, and systemic oppression. Maté challenges us to question our own biases and preconceived notions about addiction and offers alternative approaches based on harm reduction, social support, and addressing the root causes of addiction. By advocating for policy changes that prioritize community-based healthcare, mental health support, and social services, Maté invites us to envision a society that is founded on compassion, justice, and equality.
I've radicalized more than one person with this book, friends.
Other books by Gabor Maté that I also recommend:
When the Body says No -- The title was a turn off for me at first, but the book looks at chronic illness from a very interesting perspective. Worth a read if you struggle with your health, even if some parts made me feel personally attacked lol.
Scattered Minds -- I haven't personally read this, but friends with ADHD have told me that it is illuminating
Edit: I forgot to mention that he's a holocaust survivor, which seems important in the context of his anti-imperialism and his stance against incarceration.
I've heard him talk before, he's a very brilliant psychologist. I was recommended In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts when I did some volunteering with people who are unhoused, but I just watched a video of it - I felt like I was pretty on board with his message so I didn't, at the time, feel the need to actually read it. He showed up in some lectures when I was in nursing school too, for mental health classes.
