The Craving Mind

A leading neuroscientist’s internationally acclaimed account of how addiction works and can be overcome, now in a ten-year anniversary edition In this landmark book, psychiatrist and neuroscientist Judson Brewer, M.D., Ph.D. (“Dr. Jud”) reveals how and why people become addicted-to cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, food, technology, and more-and how they might break free of cycles of addiction. Weaving together patient stories, personal stories, and scientific findings from his lab, he - shows how the same learning processes that once helped our species survive have hardened over time into bad habits; - examines how craving, addiction, and habit loops have intensified due to smartphones, social media, and algorithm-driven environments; - expands our understanding of addiction and anxiety, revealing how substances, technology, outrage, and worry all follow identical habit-forming learning mechanisms-and why willpower isn’t the solution; - emphasizes curiosity and awareness as tools for breaking habits and reclaiming choice in a world designed to keep us stuck. Now updated with a new preface, Brewer’s revolutionary book shows us how to move from a craving mind to one that is capable of being present, curious, and kind.