Dr. Jud Brewer
Dr. Jud Brewer
Habit Change Addiction - Breaking Habits the Buddhist Way: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science
Habit Change Addiction - Breaking Habits the Buddhist Way: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science
Habit Change Addiction - Breaking Habits the Buddhist Way: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science
Saturday 31st May 2025
Explore how Buddhist teachings and neuroscience combine to tackle addiction and habits in this enlightening episode with Dr. Jud Brewer.
11 minutes
Informative
Engaging
Educational
Supportive
Hopeful
About this podcast
Author:
Dr. Jud Brewer
Overview:
Categories:
Mindful Recovery
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science: Breaking Habits the Buddhist Way
Episode Overview
- Mindfulness disrupts addictive cycles by fostering awareness.
- Traditional methods like CBT have limitations due to reliance on willpower.
- Curiosity can be more effective than willpower in changing habits.
- The default mode network is linked to cravings and can be quieted through mindfulness.
- Reinforcement learning explains how habits form and change.
"Curiosity actually feels better to our brains than willpower"
Ever wondered if ancient wisdom could offer a fresh perspective on breaking bad habits? In this episode of The Dr. Jud Podcast, Dr. Jud Brewer takes you on a fascinating journey, blending Buddhist teachings with modern neuroscience to tackle addiction and habit change. Dr. Brewer, a renowned addiction psychiatrist and neuroscientist, shares his personal experiences and research findings, revealing how mindfulness can disrupt addictive cycles by fostering awareness and curiosity. Dr.
Brewer discusses the limitations of traditional methods like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which often rely on willpower and cognitive control. Instead, he introduces the concept of reinforcement learning, a principle that aligns with ancient Buddhist theories and is backed by Nobel Prize-winning research. You'll hear stories of patients discovering that their habits, like smoking or mindless eating, aren't as rewarding as they once thought – all through the power of mindful observation.
This episode is packed with insights on how curiosity can be more effective than sheer willpower in rewiring the brain's reward system. Dr. Brewer explains how the default mode network (DMN) – the part of the brain active during cravings and wandering thoughts – can be quieted through mindfulness, leading to significant changes in behaviour. Dr. Brewer’s engaging storytelling and profound research will leave you pondering where you can apply awareness and curiosity in your own life.
If you're looking for a fresh approach to breaking habits or simply want to understand your mind better, this episode offers a unique blend of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science. Dive in and discover how you might find pleasure in new ways of thinking.