How To Quit Bad Habits | Judson Brewer

In this episode, Dan Harris interviews Dr. Judson Brewer about addiction, framing it as a spectrum relevant to everyday habits rather than solely extreme cases. They explore the science and Buddhist perspectives on addiction, finding them largely aligned, particularly regarding craving and clinging. Brewer introduces the MindShift method, a three-step process involving recognizing habits, exploring their results, and finding a "bigger, better offer" like curiosity or kindness to replace them. They discuss the role of dopamine, distinguishing it as a motivation molecule rather than a pleasure molecule, and debunk the concept of "dopamine fasting." The conversation also covers the impact of stress on behavior change, the importance of community and social support, and the concept of "healthy anger," with Brewer arguing against its existence. Finally, Brewer introduces MindShift Recovery, a new nonprofit aimed at providing accessible, community-based support for overcoming addiction through digital tools and mentorship.