Gabor Maté CM, born in 1944, is a Hungarian-Canadian physician and author renowned for his expertise in addiction, trauma, and childhood development. He specializes in studying the connection between mental and physical health, particularly how childhood trauma impacts conditions like autoimmune diseases, cancer, ADHD, and addiction. Maté's approach to addiction emphasizes the role of trauma, advocating for addressing underlying emotional pain during recovery. He argues that addiction's origins lie in early childhood environments rather than genetics.
Maté is a sought-after speaker and has written five bestselling books published in over 40 languages. His notable works include In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction, When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress, and The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture, co-authored with his son, Daniel Maté. He is also the co-developer of Compassionate Inquiry, a therapeutic approach used internationally. Maté was awarded the Order of Canada in 2018, his country's highest civilian distinction. In 2024, he received the Nora and Ted Sterling Prize in Support of Controversy for his work exploring the links between trauma and health. Maté continues to be an in-demand speaker, addressing judicial bodies and appearing on popular podcasts. He has an upcoming book with his son Daniel Maté titled Hello Again: A Fresh Start For Parents and Their Adult Children, expected to be published in early 2025.