Flourishing After Addiction with Carl Erik Fisher Unwinding Self-Addiction, with Dr. Jud Brewer
Jun 8, 2025
Dr. Jud Brewer, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, unpacks the idea that self can be a habit, linking addiction and anxiety to habit loops shaped by reward. He emphasizes awareness over willpower for promoting lasting change and discusses the addictive nature of 'selfing.' The conversation critiques traditional views on addiction, highlighting its complexity and societal influences. Jud also explores the nuances of anxiety and addiction, encouraging listeners to engage in self-discovery for healthier habits and flourishing lives.
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Suffering as the Core Focus
- Jud Brewer centers his work around the concept of suffering to focus and unite his clinical, research, and meditation practice efforts.
- He prioritizes projects that directly help reduce suffering, making it easier to say no to less impactful tasks.
Flourishing Through Less Suffering
- Flourishing naturally follows when suffering is reduced, often linked to serving others.
- Jud Brewer integrates Buddhist concepts like 'no self, no problem' to identify how personal suffering arises from selfing.
Use Noting to Reduce Anxiety
- Practice noting your mental behaviors like worrying to activate the observer effect and reduce identification with anxiety.
- Even brief mindfulness exercises can produce significant improvements in anxiety symptoms according to research.
