Never Enough book cover

Never Enough by Judith Grisel Summary

Never Enough
Judith Grisel
4.14 (5202 Reviews)
Psychology
Biography
Health
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of Never Enough

A neuroscientist's raw journey from addict to addiction expert. "Never Enough" blends cutting-edge brain science with Grisel's personal demons, revealing why willpower alone fails against addiction. Praised for making complex neurobiology accessible while challenging stigmas that hinder recovery.

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Key takeaways

1

When One Hit Is Never Enough

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What drives someone from a cheap Florida motel room, surrounded by cocaine, to the halls of neuroscience research? The answer isn't as simple as hitting rock bottom. It's about recognizing a fundamental truth that applies far beyond addiction: our brains are magnificent prediction machines that can also become our greatest prison. When a homeless friend declared "there would never be enough cocaine for us," it wasn't poetry-it was neuroscience. That moment of clarity launched a decades-long journey into understanding why some substances hijack our neural circuitry so completely that one taste is never, ever enough. This isn't just a story about drugs. It's about how our brains process pleasure, pain, and everything in between-and why understanding this machinery matters for anyone who's ever wondered why they can't stop scrolling, eating, or chasing any experience that promises relief.

2

The Brain's Contrast Problem and Dopamine's Deception

3

The Opponent Process Trap and Neural Adaptation

4

Cannabis and the Fading World

5

The Romance That Destroys and Alcohol's Sledgehammer

6

The Inheritance We Can't Escape

7

Reaching Across the Divide

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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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likes
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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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@Jaded_Falcon
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

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