Habit Change Addiction - How Mindfulness Apps Help Teens Kick the Habit

Habit Change Addiction - How Mindfulness Apps Help Teens Kick the Habit

Curious about how mindfulness can help teens kick the smoking habit? This episode of The Dr. Jud Podcast dives into a fascinating pilot study on a mindfulness-based app called Craving to Quit (C2Q) designed specifically for teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Jud Brewer, a renowned addiction psychiatrist and neuroscientist, the episode unpacks the study's surprising findings and explores the potential of mindfulness in reducing smoking among teens.

Despite traditional methods often falling flat with this age group, the app offers a fresh approach by meeting teens where they're at—right on their smartphones. Dr. Jud explains how the app was co-created with input from teens themselves, ensuring it was teen-friendly and practical, even working offline.

Although the study found similar quit rates across different groups, the teens using C2Q reduced their cigarette consumption more significantly, highlighting mindfulness as a tool for harm reduction rather than just quitting cold turkey. Dr. Jud encourages listeners to consider mindfulness as a broader life skill, applicable beyond smoking cessation. By recognising cravings and creating space for choice, mindfulness offers a way to manage not just smoking but various life challenges.

Could this approach be the key to unlocking healthier habits in other areas of life?

Listen in to find out how small changes can lead to big wins.