Habit Change Addiction - Mindfulness Training in Addiction Recovery: Insights from a Pilot StudyHabit Change Addiction - Mindfulness Training in Addiction Recovery: Insights from a Pilot Study
The Dr. Jud Podcast
Dr. Jud Brewer discusses a pilot study comparing Mindfulness Training (MT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for addiction recovery, revealing new insights into stress management and mindfulness.
16:22•8 Nov 2025
Mindfulness vs CBT: A New Approach to Addiction Recovery
Episode Overview
- Mindfulness Training (MT) may reduce stress-induced cravings.
- MT participants showed stable heart rates under stress.
- Both MT and CBT improved mindfulness scores.
- MT might help tap into the body's relaxation response.
- The study suggests new approaches to addiction recovery.
“"It's like learning to surf the waves of our emotions instead of getting swept away by them."”
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? Dr. Jud Brewer, an addiction psychiatrist and neuroscientist, offers a fresh perspective on addiction treatment in this engaging episode. With the help of two AI co-hosts, Dr. Jud breaks down the findings of a pilot study that pits Mindfulness Training (MT) against Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for individuals battling substance use disorders. This study is particularly fascinating as it challenges traditional methods by exploring how MT can reduce stress responses and cravings.
The episode dives into how stress and substance cravings are intertwined, likening it to Pavlov's dogs but with a twist of human complexity. You'll learn about the brain's incentive conditioning and how MT might offer a new way to experience stress, potentially reducing the risk of relapse. The discussion also highlights how both MT and CBT improve mindfulness scores, although MT shows a promising trend towards greater benefits. Dr.
Jud’s analysis doesn't stop there; he explores the physiological impacts, revealing that MT participants maintained stable heart rates under stress, unlike their CBT counterparts. This suggests that MT could help tap into the body's natural relaxation response, offering a new approach to addiction recovery. With personal anecdotes and broader insights, this episode is not just for those struggling with addiction but for anyone interested in mental health and well-being. So, what do you think?
Could mindfulness be the key to unlocking a more peaceful life?
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