Consider asking an individual to hold their breath; they comply, but the complexity of this request becomes evident in two ways. First, when lower-order cognition takes over and resumes breathing as a reflex or induces syncope via vagal stimulation (the conscious mind lacks complete control). Second, when you inquire whether they can control other "automatic" bodily functions, specifically, the release of dopamine through pure thought or willpower. While some can induce a slight dopamine release through thought alone, it pales in comparison to external stimuli, like eating or sexual activity. Herein lies our first contention: humans, on average, cannot regulate reward and punishment systems at will. These systems operate independently and stem from a time when they were essential for our survival, before self-awareness and consciousness developed. As humans gained control over their environment, these reward/punishment systems became misguided.
The primary flaw of instinctual systems (IS) is their susceptibility to stimulation by proxy and independently of cognition. Merely thinking about eating cannot replicate the same reward as actual consumption. The problem arises when individuals artificially stimulate this system without genuine consumption, leading to a failure to differentiate between actual stimuli promoting survival and those purely triggering the reward system indirectly. This becomes evident in human dependencies, where consumption often takes precedence over actual outcomes. For instance, cigarette smoking produces artificial rewards despite being detrimental to survival. Paradoxically, the IS compels individuals to consume such substances, even when they are aware of the negative impact. This underscores the independence of the conscious and IS systems. Even if someone consciously consumes a substance with the full understanding that it harms survival, the IS may still deem it necessary and develop neural and psychic systems to seek consumption. Such misguided reward systems abound.
The second contention here is that consciousness does receive input from the IS as external stimuli, making it challenging to distinguish between true external stimuli and information solely processed by the IS. Understanding these interactions can illuminate patterns in addiction, social interaction and behavioral patterns. Intensifying stimulation of specific IS pathways, as seen in smoking cigarettes, may result in more developed neural networks, akin to high-traffic routes.
In this framework, where external information is filtered or processed first by the instinctual psychic system before reaching individual consciousness, actions become habituated [Fig. 1. Pathway A accepted]. The conscious interpretation of information is heavily influenced by the initial assessment made by the IS. If the IS deems an action as rewardable (advancing survival), the individual seeks it; otherwise, it is rejected [Fig. 1. Pathway B rejected]. The natural objective of the IS is to enhance survival at any cost, prioritizing group survival and then individual survival. However, this system can easily be swayed by proxies to survival, necessitating the development and comprehension of methods targeting this intrinsic system to address its pathologies. In conclusion, decisions are generally enforced based on their perceived impact on survival rather than on absolute understanding and conscious interpretation.
Information can also flow in reverse, moving from the Individual Consciousness (IC) towards the Instinctual System (IS) through a process known as internalization. In this process, the IC essentially checks for cues of reward or punishment from the IS concerning specific information such as actions and thoughts. This recursive cycle can give rise to non-constructive loops that contribute to stress-related disorders, including anxiety. Notably, this process mirrors the interaction between external stimuli and the IS in Pathway A, except here, information is transmitted directly from the IC to the IS, then interpreted and relayed back to the IC.
Crucially, the IC and IS are unable to distinguish between genuine signals and those that have been internalized. This leads to an altered framework of reality, as the IC receives feedback that is influenced by its own perceptions and expectations and the IS interpretation, potentially exacerbating stress-related conditions like anxiety.
Building upon the previous discussion, we can now explore the third contingency: external stimuli that are internalized and processed by psychic systems have the potential to give rise to structural neural patterns over time. These patterns emerge as loops that are gradually developed and reinforced through neuronal stimulation, ultimately leading to the formation of a structural neural network. Within these networks, information flows more readily along well-established pathways, akin to high-traffic routes in a transportation system. Consequently, these neural networks serve to reaffirm and perpetuate the corresponding psychic systems, whether they are pathological or physiological in nature (2).
Naturally, when confronted with a stressful and challenging period, the logical expectation is to adapt. However, it's important to recognize that time is required for psychic systems to evolve and for established neural networks to be influenced by new external stimuli or to develop new neural loops. Allow me to illustrate this concept with a personal example from my time as a neurological surgery resident.
I was thrust into a demanding residency program without adequate preparation, particularly challenging was my immediate assignment to the emergency room—a role typically preceded by at least six months of prior experience. My working hours were grueling, officially totaling 18 hours a day with just 6 hours reserved for sleep, and no opportunity to return home. This arduous routine persisted for three consecutive months. Initially, this experience was extremely taxing. My thoughts were perpetually consumed by the difficulties of my situation. I rarely entertained pleasurable thoughts; instead, my focus remained fixated on the harshness of my circumstances and my fervent desire to escape. Unfortunately, due to various factors, leaving was not a viable option. I was withdrawn, pessimistic and arguable with a short temper.
Around the halfway mark of this demanding period, I began to shift my perspective. I acknowledged that I would inevitably endure this challenging experience, and it would eventually come to an end. While my mood and mental state were still far from ideal, I began to find solace in this acceptance. Moreover, I fostered small relationships with coworkers and fellow residents who, upon witnessing my predicament, generously offered to buy me food and coffee. These gestures signified their desire to support my survival, as my psychic systems would interpret it. These acts of kindness not only improved my situation but also engaged neural networks associated with reward, reinforcing my appreciation for these individuals who contributed to my survival.
Additionally, during this period, I found myself interacting more with females as a way to alleviate my boredom. Over time, these interactions became more meaningful, activating neural networks geared toward procreation or the anticipation thereof. Lastly, I must mention that I initially slept in my car during the first month and a half, a deeply uncomfortable experience that symbolized the lack of stability in my life. However, in the last month, when I finally secured a dorm room, I not only found contentment in my surroundings but began to thrive, despite the inhumane and challenging circumstances that persisted.
I've termed this process "survival by proxy" (SbP). It entails meeting the input requirements of your neural networks through alternative means. Rather than satisfying your food cravings by eating whenever they arose, these needs were met through the generosity of others offering you food on a regular basis. Similarly, in terms of the prospects of finding a mate or fulfilling other emotional and physiological requirements, these needs were addressed through indirect channels. Survival by proxy highlights our capacity to adapt and survive by finding alternative pathways to satisfy our essential instincts and neural networks, especially when faced with challenging circumstances.
Indeed, while survival by proxy can be a coping mechanism in challenging situations, it also carries the potential for misguiding reward systems, leading to consequences that may not align with long-term well-being. This concept draws parallels to addiction, where neural networks are stimulated indirectly through secondary stimuli, as demonstrated by the examples you've mentioned, such as smoking and cocaine addiction.
In the case of your personal experience, where survival by proxy allowed you to adapt and survive during a demanding period, the neural adaptations developed were pro-evolutionary and conducive to your immediate survival and well-being.
However, in the context of addiction, these neural adaptations can be pro-evolutionary in the sense of reinforcing behaviors that may not align with long-term survival and health. The alteration of neural connections, as observed in cocaine addiction, serves as a stark example of how these processes can have detrimental effects on an individual's overall well-being.
This highlights the dual nature of survival by proxy: it can serve as a vital survival strategy in certain situations, but it can also lead to maladaptive behaviors and neural adaptations when employed in response to harmful or addictive stimuli. Understanding these complexities is crucial for addressing both the positive and negative implications of survival by proxy on an individual's overall health and well-being.
Building on the previous discussion, we can now propose the fourth contention: Physiological Survival by Proxy (SbP) tends to develop primarily during periods of hypostatic states, with the aim of elevating an individual to a eustatic state. In this context, each neural network's specific condition necessitates stimulation by its corresponding stimulus. The individual seeks external factors or behaviors that directly address their specific needs or instincts, aiming to restore a balanced state.
In contrast, pathological SbP may stimulate one or multiple neural networks regardless of the presence of external stimuli, and its interactions with external stimuli are often more synergistic. In these cases, the individual's psychic systems may become disconnected from the external environment, leading to maladaptive behaviors and potentially reinforcing harmful patterns, as seen in addiction and other pathological conditions.
Recognizing the distinctions between physiological and pathological SbP can provide valuable insights into how individuals adapt and cope with various challenges and stressors, shedding light on the interplay between their internal neural networks and external stimuli.