
Big Think The science of breaking bad habits (and building better ones)
Oct 15, 2025
Discover why breaking bad habits is tougher than it seems! Experts discuss how our brains wire habits into cue-routine-reward loops, making willpower insufficient. They reveal that many addictions stem from social and psychological needs, not just substances. Technology is highlighted as a new addiction driver, particularly smartphones that provide quick satisfaction. Learn the golden rule of habit change: keep the cue and reward, but swap the routine. Ultimately, changing habits takes time and practice!
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Researchers Reevaluated Causes Of Addiction
- Carl Hart expected drugs to be the main community problem but found psychological needs mattered more.
- Adam Alter adds that society was wrong and that behavioral needs drive many addictions.
Habits Free The Mind — And Blind It
- Habits automate complex behavior so you can think about other things.
- But automation reduces awareness of negative consequences and drives ~45% of daily actions.
The Habit Loop Explains Cravings
- Habits follow a cue→routine→reward loop that creates cravings.
- The cue and reward become neurologically intertwined, which drives future behavior.
