Judson Brewer: The Mindful Way to Kick a Craving

The second of the four noble truths teaches that craving leads to suffering. But that would be obvious to anyone struggling with addiction. Psychiatrist Judson Brewer, who is the director of research at the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, brings mindfulness practice to the treatment of addiction. Here, Brewer talks to Tricycle contributing editor Amy Gross about the mechanisms in the brain that activate when we have cravings and how Buddhist teachings can help combat a wide variety of addictions.

Reviews

Very illuminating! I’m curious to read Jud’s books now. The whole discussion really resonated with me. Thank you!!

Just like Dr. Brewer chooses "curiosity" as his "go to" practice, I choose his work as a "go to" compass in my life and my approach to psychotherapy. Thank you, Dr. Brewer! And thank you, Tricycle Magazine! 🙏

So brilliant and helpful. Thank you. And I am applying it this time to kick my habit. 🙏😘

Really good stuff. Thank you!
Be curious...

I love the blending of science and Buddha teachings. Insightful on being human. Exactly what I need to hear as I struggle with the constant guilt and attachment to smoking. 💗🦋