The diagnosis of attention deficit disorder, or AD(H)D (with or without hyperactivity), is burgeoning. Nearly three million children in the U.S. take stimulant medications for this condition, while in Canada the number of Ritalin prescriptions has more than quintupled in the last decade. Parenting and teaching are much harder these days than they used to be, and than they should be. In Hold On To Your Kids, Dr. Gabor Maté (with developmental psychologist Gordon Neufeld) forward a provocative and important view of why this is, and what we can do to counteract it.

Contrary to what is often claimed, the source of addictions is not to be found in genes, but in the early childhood environment where the neurobiology of the brain’s reward pathways develops and where the emotional patterns that lead to addiction are wired into the unconscious. Stress, both then and later in life, creates the predisposition for addictions, whether to drugs, alcohol, nicotine, or to behavioural addictions such as shopping or sex.

Join us at the iconic Poseidonion Grand Hotel on the breathtaking island of Spetses, Greece, for a curated experience that will guide you to rediscover these vital connections. Through intentional activities, meaningful dialogue, and reflective practices, we will cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and our interconnectedness with all life. Together, we will gain the inspiration to approach our roles with renewed compassion, clarity, and purpose.

Half of North American adults suffer from chronic illness – a fact Western medicine views largely in terms of individual predispositions and habits.

Embark on a transformative 7-day journey aboard a private yacht in the breathtaking Adriatic Sea, where you will have the unique opportunity to learn from the esteemed trauma expert, Dr. Gabor Maté. This exclusive event invites you to explore the profound impact of trauma, stress, and addiction on our relationships with ourselves and others, all within a compassionate and supportive environment.