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The Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration just released statistics showing that substance abuse rates among those 50 and older has more than doubled in the U.S. The shocking data is being explained by the following logic: “because boomers have historically high rates of substance abuse, often developed three or four decades ago, that comes to a head later in life.” But this explanation says little about what it means to be a senior citizen in the U.S., rather implies that it is an individual failing that leads to addiction. In fact, many in the medical profession approach addictive and behavioral disorders as consequences of genetic failings, or flawed character. However our featured voice on today’s show Dr. Gabor Mate has risen to be a respected voice in this complex area of medicine by using sound medical science to reveal the link between trauma, stress, and lifelong medical problems. Dr. Gabor Mate has written four acclaimed books on addiction, ADHD, and the mind-body connection, and more. He currently works at the Portland Hotel in Vancouver Canada, with patients suffering from mental illness, drug addiction and living with HIV. He ran a private practice for over 20 years, and also spent 7 years in the Palliative Care Unit at Vancouver Hospital.

Dr. Gabor Mate spoke at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on April 29th 2011, presented by Writers In Treatment, Pasadena Recovery Center and KPFK. Over the two hour talk, Gabor Mate spoke about addiction, the impacts of early childhood stress on the brain, how disorders are passed from generation to generation, and the ways our social response to individual suffering aggravates the problems. During the talk Mate also analysis the music of John Lennon and discusses the relationship between creativity and addictive and behavioral disorders, and takes audience questions.

Visit Writers in Treatment at www.writersintreatment.org and Pasadena Recovery Center at www.pasadenarecoverycenter.com

Thank you Gifts:

Gabor Mate April 29th talk on DVD: $75.00

Gabor Mate Book In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: $75.00

Uprising USB 4 GB Memory Stick (includes entire audio of Gabor Mate talk): $120

Uprising Gabor Mate Pack (Gabor Mate DVD and Uprising USB Drive): $150.00

Call 818-985-5735 or visit www.kpfk.org to make a pledge.