Following our discussion on the problem of online pornography addiction in our previous article, it’s necessary to delve deeper into two crucial concepts: the 12-step program, often used as treatment in addictions, and the functions of brain areas known as the putamen and caudate nucleus, directly involved in addiction mechanisms.
The 12-Step Program
The 12-step program is a recovery method for substance abuse and other addictions originally developed in the 1930s by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It is based on a series of principles, or “steps,” designed to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety.
The “steps” include acknowledging the inability to control addiction, seeking help through a higher power (interpreted in various ways, from a spiritual concept to strong social support), making amends for the harm caused by addiction, and helping others to recover. Although the 12-step program originated in America, it is now widespread worldwide and adapted to multiple forms of addiction, including pornography addiction.
Putamen and Caudate Nucleus
The putamen and caudate nucleus are two brain structures that are part of the basal ganglia, a group of subcortical nuclei involved in a wide range of functions, including learning, memory, movement, and motivation.
The putamen plays a crucial role in movement and procedural learning, which is learning related to the performance of motor tasks through repetition. It is also involved in reward processes, particularly in the reception of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter in the brain’s reward system.
The caudate nucleus, on the other hand, has a more complex and less well-defined role. It is believed to play a role in planning and executing sequences of actions, as well as in processing emotional feedback and reward. Like the putamen, the caudate nucleus receives dopamine and contributes to the brain’s reward system.
In the context of pornography addiction, these two areas of the brain can be particularly relevant. The dopamine released during the viewing of pornographic material could reinforce neural circuits in these regions, contributing to establishing an addiction cycle.
Conclusion
As we confront the challenges posed by online pornography addiction, understanding the basic mechanisms of recovery and the human brain is essential. The 12-step program provides a framework for recovery, while understanding the putamen and caudate nucleus allows us to better frame the neurobiology of addiction. With this knowledge, we can be better prepared to address and overcome the challenges of addiction.
