The Craving Mind

From Cigarettes to Smartphones to Love - Why We Get Hooked and How We Can Break Bad Habits

By: Judson Brewer, Jon Kabat-Zinn - foreward

Narrated by: P. J. Ochlan

Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

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 20 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.

©2017 Judson Brewer (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Everyone needs to read this book!

We all have vices. Chances are most of us weren’t taught great coping skills. This book has helped me tremendously understand my addiction better and how I need to approach treating it differently. Even if you don’t have an addiction, mindfulness is so important for helping you cope with stress or anxiety or boredom or really any emotion.

The most impactful part of the book for me was when he said to the smoker “What do you do when you crave a cigarette on a plane and can’t have one” and the smoker said he just has to get through it and the craving passes. Such a common sense answer but powerful as we can do that every time we have a craving.

Rarely do you hear about mindfulness from doctors or experts on TV who talk about addiction. It’s always medication or therapy. While these methods can be useful, those of us who’ve had addiction know they aren’t curative and sometimes create added problems or are expensive. Mindfulness is free! Just loved this book so much. Many aha moments!

Atractiveness

I think is a quick guide of how había are generated, but I don't like how is the story telling don't began with the huge idea and the attention could be lose; the content is only about behavior and I was expecting to know more about how biology works with in craving

Condescension and patronizing tone overpower message

For an author that claims to empathize with his patients, his written accounts are riddled with judgement and paternalism, and at times feel outdated and out of touch. Brewer has made important contributions to the growing acceptance of “mindfulness” in the western world and its application to medicine, but the tone of this book is hard to look past.

Sometimes Presentation is Everything

I tried listening. I did. But I could not get past the reader’s voice. His presentation reminded me of calling the cinema in the 90’s and listening to the movie selection and times. I’m not saying it’s bad. It’s just not for me.

The information is useful and insightful but I have found it in other books that were a little more bearable. But give the book a try. You might like it.

2 Books in 1. A Love Note to Buddha and Meditation

Cliffnote- Event->Response->Reward->Repeat. Buddha and Meditation breaks addiction. Author LOVES Buddha/Meditation so you should too.

Gets better as you go along.

Yes, the narration isn't the best, but this book is worth the listen. I don't think most of the people leaving bad reviews finished the book.

Interesting and informative!

This book makes science so engaging and interesting. I learned about how the craving mind works, and how to be aware of it. I recomend this book. This is the type of book that I would read or listening to it again. I enjoyed the narrative!

Very interesting book

I learned a great deal from this book, It was very engaging. Great mix of scientific information and real life examples.

Interested in the HOW? Download the app

The subtitle to this book is misleading 99% of this book is about WHY humans get hooked on a wide variety of addictions and his personal journey to these discoveries. If understanding the science behind why we get addicted and the science of why mindfulness can help your brain beat these addictions then this is your jam. But, if you are like me, then you'll have wished that the book started with the Epilogue where the author finally outlines HOW to break bad habits - he has 4 monthly subscription apps 1. Unwinding Anxiety 2. Eat Right Now 3. To Quit 4. Breathe by Dr. Jud
I am trying the "Eat Right Now" app, we'll see how it goes. But I could have saved myself 8 hours of listening and started the app last week if they had just started by saying "If you want the HOW go here" instead of slogging through the data

Excellent introduction to mindfulness

This is a great introduction to mindfulness and meditation, particularly if you have an interest in neuroscience. The author does a nice job relating the subject both to his own life and to his research, including functional magnetic resonance imaging of experienced meditators. If you are so inclined, techniques introduced here can help transform your life.