where is euphoria center of the brain and how do drugs stimulate it?

Question

basically how and where do these drugs go, and what they do

Answer 1

The so-called "euphoria" center of the brain would most probably be considered the nucleus accumbens, and some other limbic structures. Drugs like cocaine, alcohol, amphetamine, etc., are believed to act mostly via the dopamine system in the nucleus accumbens. Of course, this is a gross oversimplification of the system, because it is extremely complex. And in reality, there is no ONE "euphoria" center in the brain, but this is the best answer I can give within limited space. By the way, the nucleus accumbens dopamine system is also believed to be one of the major brain regions involved in addiction.

Answer 2

The reticular formation is a part of the brain which is involved in stereotypical actions, such as walking, sleeping, and lying down. It is essential for governing some of the basic functions of higher organisms, and phylogenetically one of the oldest portions of the brain.





It is a poorly-differentiated area of the brain stem, centered roughly in the pons. The ascending reticular activating system connects to areas in the thalamus, hypothalamus, and cortex, while the descending reticular activating system connects to the cerebellum and sensory nerves.



The reticular formation appears to not only control physical behaviors such as sleep, but also has been shown to play a major role in alertness, fatigue, and motivation to perform various activities. Some researchers have speculated that the reticular formation controls approximately 25 specific behaviors, including sleeping, walking, eating, urination, defecation, and sexual activity

The reticular formation has also been traced as one of the sources for the introversion and extroversion character traits. Introverted people have been found to have a more easily stimulated reticular formation, resulting in a diminished desire to seek out stimulus. Extroverted people, however, have a less easily stimulated reticular formation, resulting in the need for more stimulation to maintain brain activity
Euphoria is when Reticular formation is depressed, and sedation and diminished motivation when Reticular formation is stimulated.
Euphoretic drugs act by depressing reticular formation.