Answer:
The thalamus
Explanation:
Located in the central part of the brain, the thalamus processes and coordinates sensory messages, such as taste, received from the body.
It only takes a few seconds to kick in.
Drugs that break down a psychological barrier against doing other drugs are known as gateways drugs.
A very known gateway drug (or at least one that has been considered as such) is marijuana or weed. A drug that is being widely consumed in various countries and is also being sold as a legal drug in some countries.