IN THE REALM OF HUNGRY GHOSTS Close Encounters with Addiction

The author shares the true stories of the drug addicts he serves, describes the psychosocial deprivations that make addictions hard to manage, and explains how addictive substances and behavior influence brain chemistry. His nuanced understanding of pleasure seeking and pain avoidance inspires empathy for a wide range of addictions—from cocaine and alcohol to destructive patterns of shopping, eating, and sexual behavior. Along with his authentic-sounding dialogue Daniel Mate’s performance is notable for its emotional resonance with the author’s patients and their journeys. His audible compassion makes us hear these stories and consider this information with an open heart. His engagement with the author’s writing makes this a moving invitation to the complex world of addictions. T.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2011]