Habit Change Anxiety - From Habit Loops to Healing: Redefining Anxiety Treatment

Habit Change Anxiety - From Habit Loops to Healing: Redefining Anxiety Treatment

Dr. Jud Brewer, a renowned addiction psychiatrist and neuroscientist, teams up with Alexandra Roy in this fascinating episode to discuss how anxiety can be treated as a habit. They dive into the concept of 'habit loops' and how our brains reinforce anxiety through worry. By viewing anxiety as a bad habit, they explore the potential of mindfulness-based training to break these cycles.

The episode highlights the effectiveness of digital therapeutics, particularly the 'Unwinding Anxiety' app, which shows promising results in reducing anxiety significantly. Dr. Brewer and Roy share a compelling case study of a man who overcame severe anxiety using mindfulness techniques, transforming his life in remarkable ways. They also discuss traditional treatments like SSRIs and benzodiazepines, their limitations, and the impressive potential of mindfulness as an alternative.

This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice on how to manage anxiety by retraining your brain. If you're curious about how mindfulness can change your relationship with anxiety, this is a must-listen.