The Thalamus region of the brain gets sensory data. Parts of this is sent to Amygdala(emotional/irrational part of the brain) and parts to the neocortex(thinking/rational brain). If the Amygdala matches it with an earlier threat stimulus, then it activates a shortcut(HPA/hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal axis) - and effectively takes over the brain overriding the rational area.
Published on May 12, 2021
If we can say that the ego has a location in the brain, it would be the default mode network. Its very active when you are doing nothing - its where self talk takes place. Default Mode Network regulates a lot of other parts of the brain - when drugs dials it down the rest of the brain is "let off the leash". Networks in the brain that don't generally communicate directly starts communicating directly. This can have an effect of jolting the brain out of bad habits.
Published on Dec 20, 2020