is a "lower midbrain structure" into which afferent neurons from the substantia nigra and thalamus grow into. However , the striatum as we know it is the user of dopamine involved with mood instead of movement.
It all DOPE! Every antiparkinson medication that we take is supposed to "act' on "receptors" that induce functions according to how nature evolved to use them. Yes, stimulate receptors in the striatum and you'll feel better, trouble is it won't last and it will take ever increasing amounts of "Drug" to do it.
Once we've "used up" our dopamine pump, which is in two compartments, one governing movement, the other mood' more of it or something that elicits the same responses is needed. Cocaine is a powerful stimulator of the striatal dopamine pump, but just as with all other "mood" moderators, eventually you pay for its use.
Were dying guys and gals, just let us go out in bliss, cause the other way just ain't cuttin' the mustard;