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Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

BITESIZE | Why We Are All Addicts | Dr Gabor Maté #475

Sep 12, 2024
Dr. Gabor Maté, a leading expert in addiction, trauma, and childhood development, shares his insights on the complex nature of addiction. He discusses how emotional pain and societal pressures contribute to our compulsive behaviors, urging a broader understanding of addiction beyond stereotypes. The conversation emphasizes the need for genuine human connection, urging listeners to reassess their definitions of success and competition. Maté also highlights the importance of inner healing and how societal values often stifle authenticity.
19:56

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Addiction can be understood as a natural response to emotional pain, shifting the focus from moral judgment to underlying trauma.
  • Societal values that prioritize materialism and competition contribute to disconnection and mental health issues, emphasizing the need for authenticity and self-acceptance.

Deep dives

Understanding Addiction as a Human Response

Addiction is defined as any behavior that provides temporary pleasure or relief, despite its negative consequences. This perspective shifts the focus from seeing addiction as a moral failure to understanding it as a natural human attempt to alleviate emotional pain. Examples include not only substance abuse but also behaviors like gambling, excessive shopping, or even work-related stress. Ultimately, this approach highlights the need to explore the underlying pain rather than simply labeling the behaviors as deviant or abnormal.

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