317: Harnessing Digital Tools and Peer Support for Lasting Change with Judson Brewer

Dr. Judson Brewer, a pioneering neuroscientist and addiction specialist, takes us on an exploration of the human brain and its role in addiction and recovery. Dr. Brewer shares his personal journey from medical school to co-founding MindShift Recovery, where evidence-based programs challenge traditional treatments. Drawing from Buddhist psychology, he offers a fresh perspective on addictive behaviors, emphasizing the transformative power of understanding the brain's mechanisms to foster lasting change. Curiosity emerges as a powerful force in changing habitual behaviors, offering an alternative to sheer willpower. Discover how paying attention to the real-time outcomes of habits like smoking or overeating can shift brain chemistry and leverage the orbitofrontal cortex to reassess reward values. Through mindful attention, individuals can become disenchanted with detrimental behaviors by viscerally experiencing past consequences and predicting future outcomes. This understanding helps reduce the likelihood of repeating undesirable actions, guiding individuals toward more informed and positive choices.In this episode, you will hear: Exploration of addiction and recovery through brain science with Dr. Judson Brewer. Dr. Brewer's journey and the founding of MindShift Recovery. Introduction to the concept of curiosity as a tool for changing addictive behaviors. Analysis of the brain's orbitofrontal cortex in reassessing the reward value of habits. Use of digital therapeutics and peer support in addiction recovery. Disenchantment and resilience in behavior change. Proactive strategies for reinforcing positive choices and well-being. Follow and Review:We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:NovusMindfulLife.comhttps://www.mindshiftrecovery.org/https://www.mindshiftrecovery.org/about-mindshift-recoveryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindshiftrecovery/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindshift-recoveryEpisode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.