Understanding addiction through contemplative science, with Dr. Jud Brewer

Understanding addiction through contemplative science, with Dr. Jud Brewer

Ever wondered how mindfulness can help tackle addiction? In this episode of 'Flourishing After Addiction', Carl Erik Fisher sits down with Dr. Jud Brewer, an addiction psychiatrist and neuroscientist who has spent over two decades exploring this very connection. Dr. Brewer shares his personal battle with panic attacks and how mindfulness became his go-to tool for managing anxiety. This experience led him to uncover fascinating links between addictive cravings and the basic processes of anxiety.

They dive into how our urge to control experiences often causes more suffering, a concept rooted in both neuroscience and Buddhist philosophy. Dr. Brewer explains how the brain's reward system can reinforce harmful habits and how mindfulness can break this cycle. They also touch on the role of values and ethics in recovery, offering a holistic view of treatment that goes beyond traditional methods. Curious about how psychedelics might fit into this?

They discuss that too, along with practical mindfulness exercises to help listeners get curious about their own anxiety. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that blends science, spirituality, and personal stories to offer new perspectives on addiction recovery.