Never Enough

Synopsis

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.

Summary

Chapter 1: Dream Big
This introductory chapter is about breaking your own inhibitors and dreaming big. It's about recognizing your own potential, and how to unlock the power within yourself to do fantastic things. Never Enough begins with an inspiring example from Oprah Winfrey, and how she turned her inner strength into a global platform. By going against the collecting opinions of her peers, and making use of her creativity and drive, she achieved the seemingly impossible. Early in Winfrey’s career, she became the first African American news anchor in Nashville, Tennessee, and on the world stage she became the first black woman billionaire. Her story illustrates that no matter the odds, it is possible to turn dreams into reality. This chapter reminds the reader that everyone has the potential for greatness within them.

Chapter 2: Believe in Yourself

This chapter talks about how self-belief is the key to achieving your goals. It emphasizes the importance of guarding your thoughts and being mindful of negative and self-defeating thoughts. It offers techniques on how to make the most of your potential, including developing goals that are achievable, and understanding that even if they take time to achieve, it is worth the effort. An example of someone who believed in themselves is Bill Gates. Despite his parents not supporting his dreams and discouraging him, Gates persisted in believing in himself and eventually founded Microsoft Corporation, which has become one of the most successful companies in the world.

Chapter 3: The Power of Perseverance

This chapter is about never giving up on your goals and pushing forward no matter the obstacles. It speaks about lessons from people who hadinspired others by not giving up despite adversity. The chapter emphasis the power of resilience and persistence. It provides readers with examples of how certain individuals refused to take no for an answer. A great example is Mark Zuckerberg. Despite facing numerous challenges when founding Facebook, he stayed true to his vision and eventually built a world-renowned company.

Chapter 4: Love Your Work

This chapter talks about the importance of loving what you do. it encourages readers to focus on pursuing something that they are passionate about and to not settle in life. It emphasizes that life is too short for unfulfilling jobs and that following an inspiring career path is essential for personal fulfillment. An exampleof someone who loves their work is Richard Branson, who threw himself into building up his businesses and enjoyed the process of discovering and following his passions.

Chapter 5: Be Fearless

This chapter speaks about the power of facing and overcoming fear. It offers readers a lesson on how to confront our fears and to take risks to reach our desired objectives. It encourages readers to take leaps of faith and be brave even when faced with the unknown. An example of someone who embraced fear is J.K. Rowling. Despite facing immense rejection for her book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Rowling stayed absolutely committed to her dream and eventually became a bestselling author.

Chapter 6: Live For Today

This chapter lects on balancing quality of life with ambition. It talks about living in the present and not delaying happiness for some indefinite future. It urges readers to be present in the moment and enjoy every stage of the journey. An example of someone who embodied this chapter is Oprah Winfrey. Although she had huge ambitions, she was able to enjoy the here and now while still taking the necessary steps to achieve her goals.