Books › The craving mind
The craving mind
256 pages
A compassionate, science-backed journey into the mechanics of habit, offering a mindful path out of our most stubborn compulsions.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like sitting down with a deeply knowledgeable and empathetic guide who understands exactly why your brain gets stuck in loops. The pace is steady and deliberate, carefully unpacking the neuroscience of habit formation before offering a hopeful, practical way out. It balances an analytical, research-grounded mood with a warm, reflective atmosphere, weaving together clinical findings, patient stories, and personal insights into mindfulness. The prose is clear and accessible, translating complex psychiatric concepts into everyday language without losing their profound impact. It is a perfect fit for anyone who feels trapped by their own compulsions, offering a scientifically sound, compassionate roadmap to a freer, fuller life.
- Mood
- reflective
- hopeful
- analytical
- grounded
- Tone
- informative
- empathetic
- authoritative
- encouraging
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- the mechanics of addiction · mindfulness and self-awareness · breaking destructive cycles · the science of habit formation · stress reduction
- The writing
- Clear and accessible, seamlessly blending scientific explanation with relatable patient anecdotes and personal reflection.
- The arc
- Moves from the overwhelming grip of compulsive behaviors to a sense of empowered, mindful liberation.
- Who it's for
- Readers seeking a scientifically grounded yet deeply practical approach to overcoming bad habits and finding peace through mindfulness.
Content notes
- discussions of addiction
- substance abuse references
- binge eating references
About the book
A leading neuroscientist and pioneer in the study of mindfulness explains why addictions are so tenacious and how we can learn to conquer them. We are all vulnerable to addiction. Whether it's a compulsion to constantly check social media, binge eating, smoking, excessive drinking, or any other behaviors, we may find ourselves uncontrollably repeating. Why are bad habits so hard to overcome? Is there a key to conquering the cravings we know are unhealthy for us? This book provides groundbreaking answers to the most important questions about addiction. Dr. Judson Brewer, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist who has studied the science of addictions for twenty years, reveals how we can tap into the very processes that encourage addictive behaviors in order to step out of them. He describes the mechanisms of habit and addiction formation, then explains how the practice of mindfulness can interrupt these habits. Weaving together patient stories, his own experience with mindfulness practice, and current scientific findings from his own lab and others, Dr. Brewer offers a path for moving beyond our cravings, reducing stress, and ultimately living a fuller life. -- Provided by publisher.
Description from Open Library.
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