Discover a new path to freedom from addiction with the Mindshift Method™

At Mindshift, we believe that a resilient recovery is fostered through compassion, understanding, and empowerment, and we’re here to provide a safe and supportive space for individuals struggling with addiction.

A group of people in recovery excited about the Mindshift Method

The science behind the
Mindshift Method

The Mindshift Method was created to take advantage of the brain’s reward-based learning system and how specific awareness techniques can subvert, or “hack,” this system. This isn’t a new theory. It combines the latest neuroscience research with what we already know about the brain and its role in addiction.

What we teach has been supported by years of research and evidence, specifically through the research and development of digital therapeutics designed by Dr. Jud and his team, such as Craving to Quit for tobacco cessation, which was shown to be five times more effective in helping individuals stop smoking than trying to quit on their own, Eat Right Now, for unhealthy eating habits had a 40% decrease in food cravings, and Unwinding Anxiety, which helped the users decrease anxiety by 57%. 

Learn more about the research behind the Mindshift Method

THE THREE GEARS

An intro to the Mindshift Method

The Mindshift Method’s “three gears” can help you explore your addictive behaviors, uncover the rewards behind them, and learn strategies to step out of harmful behaviors with curiosity and kindness. Let's take a closer look at each gear.

 
 

1st Gear

First gear is about recognizing the habits and patterns that make you addicted. In Gear 1, you start by mapping out your habit loops and developing a deeper understanding how your mind works. That’s the first step in making a change.

2nd Gear

Second gear is looking at the results of your actions by asking yourself: What do I get from this addictive behavior? Then you pay attention to the physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts after your behavior. This fosters disenchantment with the behaviors you want to change and strengthens healthy new ones.

3rd Gear

Third gear is about finding something better to replace your old habits, what we call the “Bigger Better Offer” (BBO). Once you realize how unsatisfying your old habit is (second gear), it becomes easier to step out of your old addictive habit loop and into the present moment to find and choose something better.

The Mindshift Method tools & practices

Mindshift Recovery offers three ways to practice the method: Our free Mindshift Recovery app, a live 8-week online course, and a weekly online community meeting. Here are some of the tools you’ll have access to:

• Guided audio lessons explaining the Mindshift Method and techniques

• Guided meditations, like body scanning, noting, lovingkindness, and curiosity to build your awareness.

• Shorter mindfulness practices to build consistent awareness even when you don’t have time for longer sessions.

• In-app community forum to share your recovery journey and experiences with the practices.

• Tools to track your habits and see your behaviors change over time.

• Check-in tool in the app that teaches you to drop into how you’re feeling in the moment.

Practice the method with us

The Mindshift
Recovery App

Our app gives you instant access to our clinically proven recovery program. It features guided lessons, mindfulness exercises, and the community support you need to make your recovery stick.

The Mindshift
Recovery Weekly Meeting

Sign up for our recovery Zoom every Thursday (12pm ET / 9am PT) to work with the tools in real time and with others in recovery.

Join our next meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/99028102257

The Mindshift
Recovery Online Course

Join the next cohort of our live 8-week online course. You’ll learn the Mindshift Method live to get a more in-depth understanding of the tools you’ll use every day.

Mindshift Method FAQ

  • Mindshift complements other recovery approaches effectively providing unique enhancements. Our methods can be integrated.

  • We aim to make our tools and programs accessible to everyone. The App and Weekly Recovery Meeting are free, and our course fees vary from low to no cost. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay, with scholarships and sliding scale pricing available.

  • Our program is based on the work of Dr. Jud Brewer, an addiction psychiatrist and neuroscientist. You can find more about the research here.

  • The Mindshift method is a three-step program known as "the gears," which helps you understand how your brain works and how to change your habits to feel better.

  • The Mindshift Method’s “three gears” practice can help you explore your addictive behaviors, uncover the rewards behind them, and learn strategies to step out of harmful behaviors with curiosity and kindness.

    The three gears are:

    1) Becoming aware of your habits and addictions

    2) Observing and embodying the result of your behavior

    3) Finding a “bigger better offer” to replace old habits

  • The Mindshift Method is rooted in the latest neuroscience and utilizes awareness practices to rewire your brain’s responses and establish new behaviors.

  • The Mindshift Method does include mindfulness practices, but they are combined with reward-based learning techniques to reduce or eliminate cravings in addition to simply accepting them. This approach works whether you have zero experience with mindfulness or have deep experience with meditation or programs like Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP).

  • There are 3 ways to start; choose the path that most appeals to you today. All are meant to work together.

    •With the App, you can start right way, gaining access to tools, lessons, and practices.

    •Our Weekly Online Recovery Meetings are 12pm ET / 9am PT every Thursday.

    •Our live courses have varying start dates. You can sign up for the next class on the website.

  • We recommend using the Mindshift Method and programs as part of your overall recovery plan. It goes well with 12-step-based programs, SMART Recovery, therapy, and other programs.

  • Mindshift offers self-care tools like RAIN, Body Scan, and Loving Kindness to help you navigate difficult moments and stay on track with your recovery.

  • Mindshift is for anyone struggling with substance use disorder or is looking to strengthen their recovery. The approach creates behavioral change to help people get or stay on their recovery journey.

  • We recommend incorporating Mindshift practices into your daily routine. Regular engagement helps reinforce positive changes and supports ongoing recovery.

  • Join our weekly meetings every Thursday at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET, follow us on social media, and participate in our online forums to stay connected and supported on your recovery journey.

Your journey to lasting recovery starts here.

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