Judson A. Brewer

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Dr. Jud Brewer

Judson A. Brewer is an American psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and author. He is known for his research in the fields of mindfulness, addiction, and the mechanisms of habit formation. Brewer is a prominent figure in the study of how mindfulness practices can be used to treat addiction and other mental health issues.

Early Life and Education

Judson A. Brewer was born in the United States. He completed his undergraduate studies at Princeton University, where he earned a degree in chemistry. He then attended the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he received his M.D. and Ph.D. in neuroscience.

Career

Brewer is currently the Director of Research and Innovation at the Mindfulness Center and an associate professor in the Departments of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Psychiatry at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. He is also a research affiliate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Research

Brewer's research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying mindfulness and how it can be used to treat addiction, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. He has conducted numerous studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore how mindfulness practices affect the brain.

One of his notable contributions is the development of app-based mindfulness training programs, such as "Craving to Quit" for smoking cessation and "Eat Right Now" for mindful eating. These programs are designed to help individuals break the cycle of addiction and unhealthy habits through mindfulness techniques.

Publications

Brewer has authored several books and numerous scientific articles. His book, "The Craving Mind: From Cigarettes to Smartphones to Love – Why We Get Hooked and How We Can Break Bad Habits," explores the science behind habit formation and addiction, and how mindfulness can be used as a tool for breaking these cycles.

Personal Life

Brewer resides in Providence, Rhode Island, where he continues his research and teaching. He is an advocate for the integration of mindfulness practices into mainstream healthcare and education.

See Also

• Mindfulness
• Addiction
• Habit formation
• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry