Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction

by Judith Grisel

The popularity of barbiturates grew rapidly, and by the 1920s they were virtually the sole treatment for conditions benefiting from sedation. However, in 1960 Valium was introduced, initiating a second wave in this pharmacological revolution. All of these compounds are sedating in that they induce both muscular and psychic relaxation; “hypnotic” refers to their sleep-inducing properties. Because stress, anxiety, and insomnia are such common problems, it makes sense that these drugs have been popular since their introduction. Unfortunately, the problem with all the drugs that have been developed to treat these serious issues thus far is that with regular use they elicit an opponent process, therefore creating the state they were designed to remedy. The insomniac become sleepless. The anxious become wrecks.