Drawing on cutting-edge science and real-life stories, renowned physician Dr Gabor Maté joins us to show that all addictions – from drugs to sex, workaholism to shopping – originate in trauma.

‘Gabor Maté’s connections―between the intensely personal and the global, the spiritual and the medical, the psychological and the political―are bold, wise and deeply moral. He is a healer to be cherished.’ – Naomi Klein

One of the world’s most revered experts in the psychology of addiction, a prize-winning author and the pioneer of an innovative understanding of human development that employs the lenses of science and compassion, Dr Gabor Maté joins How To Academy to explore a humane approach to the challenges of addiction and self-destructive behaviour.

Dr Maté believes that all addiction – from hard-core drug abuse to everyday behavioural addictions – are on a continuum that runs through our society: not a medical ‘condition’ but a complex interplay of personal history, emotional development and brain chemistry.

More than a disease, addiction is a response to a distressing life history and life situation. Once we recognise the roots of addiction and the lack it strives (in vain) to fill, we can develop a compassionate approach toward the addict: one that stands the best chance of restoring him or her to wholeness and health.

Distilling cutting-edge research from around the world, Dr Maté will avoid glib self-help remedies, instead promoting self-understanding as the first key to healing and wellness. Blending personal stories and science with positive solutions, this talk will change how you see yourself, others and the world.

This livestream event includes participatory elements, with opportunities for audience members to appear on-screen and interact with Dr Maté. This is not compulsory, and you may leave your webcam and microphone off if you choose.

Gabor Maté is a retired physician who, after 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. Gabor is an internationally renowned speaker highly sought after for his expertise on addiction, trauma, childhood development, and the relationship of stress and illness. For his groundbreaking medical work and writing he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country’s highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown, Vancouver.