A former drug addict turned behavioural neuroscientist reveals how drugs work in the brain ― and what we can do to fight addiction.
Judith Grisel was a daily drug user when she began to consider that her addiction might have a cure, one that she herself could perhaps discover by studying the brain. Now, after twenty-five years as a neuroscientist, she shares what she and other scientists have learned about addiction, enriched by captivating glimpses of her personal journey.
In Never Enough, Grisel reveals the unfortunate bottom line of all regular drug use: there is no such thing as a free lunch. All drugs act on the brain in a way that diminishes their enjoyable effects and creates unpleasant ones with repeated use. Delving into the science of one of the world’s most pressing health problems, she reveals what is different about the brains of addicts even before they first pick up a drink or drug, and highlights the changes that take place in the brain and behaviour as a result of chronic using.
With compassion and clarity, Grisel describes what drove her to addiction, what helped her recover, and her belief that a ‘cure’ for addiction will not be found in our individual brains but in the way we interact with our communities.
‘A gripping memoir about the real cost of getting high.’ – Leaf Arbuthnot, The Times
‘Grisel's account of her wayward early 20s, chasing one high after another, is harrowing ... She writes clearly and unsparingly about both her experiences and the science of addiction ― tobacco and caffeine figure in, as well ― making plain that there is still much that remains unknown or mysterious about the brain's workings. In the end, she notes, much of our present culture, which shuns pain and favors avoidance, is made up of 'tools of addiction.' Illuminating reading for those seeking to understand the whos, hows, and wherefores of getting hooked.’
– Kirkus
‘A collision of the personal and professional.’
– Rebecca Schiller, The Observer
‘If you want to know why the drugs don’t work (or at least not for long), this is the one for you ... Judith Grisel communicates complex brain science clearly and engagingly.’
– Ella Walker, The Herald
‘Grisel is a recovering addict, a neuroscientist, and a talented writer. Who better to help us understand drug addiction? This book is as informative as it is moving. Here you will find clearly explained science and a gripping account of the personal and societal toll of drug addiction.’
– Martha J. Farah, PhD, Director of Center for Neuroscience & Society, and Walter H. Annenberg Professor in the Natural Sciences, University of Pennsylvania
‘Many scientists write about addiction, but how many are former addicts? Psychology professor Grisel mixes coverage of brain research with the warts-and-all story of her addictions, beginning with alcohol in seventh grade and progressing to marijuana, LSD, cocaine, and IV drug use ... Powerful stuff’
– Booklist
‘A superb book.’
– William Leith, The Evening Standard
‘Dr. Judith Grisel, a neuroscientist and a person in long term addiction recovery, juxtaposes stark examples from her own tortured past, methodically connecting each experience to the hard science of addiction neurobiology. Doing this captures our attention as we peer into one of the most complex puzzles of humankind. The science behind addiction comes alive in its sorrow and grandeur. When you pick up this book get ready for an intense ride.’
– Paul H. Earley, MD, DFASAM; President-elect of American Society of Addiction Medicine
‘It is rare to have a book on addiction marry emotional and scientific views. Never Enough sends a message of hope in relaying Judith Grisel's pathway out of her own drug quagmire ― notably, one triggered by the positive and compassionate responses of those near and dear to her.’
– Christopher J. Evans, PhD, Director of Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, UCLA
‘Grisel, a behavioural neuroscientist and Bucknell psychology professor, examines the complexities of addiction in this personal account of a decade of substance abuse ... Weaving anecdotes of her ordeal ― some funny, others embarrassing ― with basic brain science, she explains how drugs work, why some are more effective than others, and how addicts differ from non-addicts.’
– Publishers Weekly
