Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms have been used by humans for generations, with the oldest record of use dating back 7,000 years. They are a hallucinogenic drug that can cause psychedelic experiences, featuring visual distortions and a subjective loss of self-identity. The effects of magic mushrooms vary widely, with feelings of stress or anxiety before use resulting in a bad trip. However, when used in a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment, magic mushrooms can lead to a pleasant experience. The term trip was first coined by US Army scientists in the 1950s when experimenting with LSD, another hallucinogenic drug.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visual alterations | Spontaneous formation of complex flowing geometric visual patterns in the visual field |
| Visual distortions | Objects that are far away may seem closer |
| Visual hallucinations | Objects and people may be distorted |
| Bad trips | Feelings of stress, anxiety, confusion, agitation, psychotic episodes, paranoia, fear, or lingering distress |
| Good trips | Calm, quiet, relaxed, and familiar environments |
| Set | A person's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations of what's going to happen |
| Setting | The environment in which someone takes a psychedelic drug |
| Duration | Usually within 6 hours |
| Addiction | Low risk of addiction |
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What You'll Learn
Visual distortions
Mushroom trips can cause visual distortions and hallucinations. The term "trip" was first used by US Army scientists in the 1950s when experimenting with LSD. Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, can cause alterations in normal perception, such as visual distortions and a subjective loss of self-identity. These distortions can range from a slight "breathing" effect to full-blown hallucinations. Objects that are far away may seem closer, and things may seem clearer and more distinct. Complex flowing geometric patterns may also appear in the visual field, overlaying the physical environment when the eyes are open and appearing in the "inner world" when the eyes are closed.
The intensity and nature of these visual distortions depend on various factors, including the quantity of the drug consumed, past experiences, expectations, and individual differences in reaction to psilocybin. The set and setting, or the user's mindset and environment, also play a crucial role in shaping the mushroom trip experience. Feelings of stress, anxiety, or being in a noisy, crowded place may contribute to a negative experience or "bad trip." Conversely, a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment can contribute to a pleasant trip.
The risk of a bad trip may be higher when higher doses of psilocybin are consumed, and when the user has feelings of anxiety or a history of certain mental illnesses. Additionally, combining mushrooms with certain other drugs, such as ice, speed, or ecstasy, or psychiatric medications, can increase the chances of a bad trip and lead to panic or a relapse of the condition. It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin can be unpredictable, and even with precautions, there is always a risk of an unpleasant trip involving paranoia, fear, or intense anxiety.
While mushroom trips typically last between four and six hours, the duration can vary, and changes in sensory perception and thought patterns may persist beyond the trip. It is also worth mentioning that there is a rare condition called hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), where people experience recurring hallucinations or "flashbacks" long after a psychedelic experience. Overall, while mushroom trips can induce visual distortions and hallucinations, it is important to approach them with caution due to the potential risks involved.
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Hallucinations
Visual hallucinations can range from slight distortions to full-blown hallucinations. With eyes open, objects in the physical environment may appear closer than they actually are, exhibiting a "breathing" quality or seeming to pulsate. Complex geometric patterns, often with fractal details and a face at the centre, may also emerge in the visual field. These patterns are commonly reported in psychedelic experiences and are reflected in the art of ancient cultures such as the Aztecs and Mayans.
When the eyes are closed, the visual alterations occur in the "inner world" behind the eyelids. These hallucinations can be so intense that the boundary between open-eye and closed-eye visuals blurs. The psychedelic state can also enhance visual acuity, making objects seem clearer and more distinct.
The intensity of hallucinations is influenced by various factors, including the quantity of psilocybin consumed, past experiences, expectations, and individual differences in mood, personality, and environment. A person's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations can significantly shape their experience. Additionally, the environment in which the drug is consumed, including factors such as lighting, music, and the presence of trusted friends, can impact the nature of the hallucinations.
It is important to note that the risks associated with magic mushrooms include unpredictable and potentially dangerous behaviour, as well as the possibility of poisoning from misidentifying mushroom species. Combining magic mushrooms with certain other drugs or psychiatric medications can also lead to adverse effects, including an increased risk of a "bad trip," characterised by intense anxiety, confusion, agitation, or psychotic episodes.
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Set and setting
The concept of "set and setting" is critical when discussing psychedelic experiences, including mushroom trips. "Set and setting" refers to the interplay between one's internal state and the external environment, which can significantly influence the outcome of the experience.
The "set" pertains to the individual's mindset, disposition, and mental state before the trip. This includes their mood, personality, expectations, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions. For instance, feelings of stress, fear, or anxiety before ingesting magic mushrooms can increase the likelihood of a "bad trip." Setting a positive intention and aligning one's thoughts and choices with that intention can help create a favourable "set."
The "setting," on the other hand, refers to the physical, social, and cultural environment in which the experience takes place. This includes the location (indoors or outdoors), the people present and their dynamics, the music, lighting, aroma, temperature, and even broader cultural forces. For example, the stigma associated with the illegal status of mushrooms in many places can shape one's experience. A calm, quiet, and relaxed environment with trusted companions in a safe and comfortable space contributes to a positive experience. Additionally, the presence of a "trip sitter"—a sober and trusted person who can provide support if needed—is recommended.
The concept of "set and setting" was popularized in the 1960s by figures such as Al Hubbard, Timothy Leary, and Ram Dass, although the terms were used as early as 1958 by Ludwig von Bertalanffy. The understanding of "set and setting" has been extended beyond psychedelics to other substances, such as alcohol, cocaine, heroin, and opioids, highlighting the importance of these factors in shaping an individual's experience.
By paying attention to both the "set" and the "setting," one can significantly influence the quality of their mushroom trip, making it a positive and potentially transformative experience while minimizing the risk of a "bad trip."
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Bad trips
A "bad trip" is a highly unpleasant psychedelic experience. Mushroom trips are a psychedelic experience brought on by the use of psilocybin, which is found in certain types of mushrooms. Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "shrooms" or "magic mushrooms", are hallucinogenic fungi that can lead to a bad trip.
A bad trip on psilocybin often includes intense anxiety, confusion, agitation, or even psychotic episodes. The key feature of a bad trip is often a feeling of losing oneself or going crazy, or ego dissolution. Bad trips can also lead to excessive fear, agitation, or emotionally disturbing situations. Someone who is having a bad trip may feel as if time is standing still and may have disturbing hallucinations that cause extreme fear or mood swings.
There are several factors that can increase the probability of a bad trip. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before using magic mushrooms may result in a bad trip. Being in a noisy, crowded place may also result in a negative experience. Mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs, such as ice, speed, or ecstasy, can increase the chances of a bad trip and lead to panic. The only way to guarantee that one will not have a bad trip is to not use hallucinogens. However, bad trips are common among users of psychedelics and can be transformed into valuable experiences through storytelling.
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Good trips
Mushroom trips are indeed visual experiences. A mushroom trip is a psychedelic experience brought on by the use of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms. The outcome of a psychedelic experience is influenced by the person's mood, personality, expectations, and environment. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before using magic mushrooms may result in a bad trip. However, being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends, and a safe, calm, quiet, and relaxed environment can lead to a pleasant experience.
A "good trip" on psilocybin often includes visual distortions and a subjective loss of self-identity, sometimes interpreted as mystical experiences. Individuals who have psychedelic experiences often describe what they experienced as "more real" than ordinary experiences. For example, one person described seeing random images when they closed their eyes, as if the insides of their eyelids were a screen. They saw fractal patterns, tunnels through foliage, and ropy vines forming grids. When they felt panic start to rise, they discovered that they could restore a sense of semi-normality by opening their eyes.
Another person described feeling as though they were "communing directly with a plant for the first time." They felt that the mushrooms had taught them about nature.
Some small contemporary religious movements base their religious activities and beliefs around psychedelic experiences, such as Santo Daime and the Native American Church. Studies on psilocybin-assisted therapy have found that participants experience reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms, suggesting that psilocybin could be effective as a long-term treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushroom trips can cause visual hallucinations. Objects and spaces in the physical environment may be overlaid with visual distortions.
Mushroom trips can be highly unpredictable and may range from highly pleasurable ("good trips") to frightening ("bad trips"). The outcome of a trip is influenced by the person's mood, personality, expectations, and environment. Bad trips may feature intense anxiety, confusion, agitation, or even psychotic episodes.
Mushroom trips usually come to a close within 6 hours, although this timeframe can vary from person to person.
Several psychedelics, including mushrooms, have been associated with hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD). People with HPPD experience recurring hallucinations or "flashbacks" weeks, months, or even years after a psychedelic experience.
