John Miller
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are naturally occurring fungi that contain the mind-altering substance psilocybin. While psilocybin mushrooms are not widely considered to be gateway drugs, their abuse is a growing concern, especially among younger populations. The idea that psilocybin mushrooms are natural and relatively safe may contribute to their use among younger people. However, psilocybin mushrooms can cause changes in perception, thought, and mood, resulting in altered states of consciousness, hallucinations, and intense emotional experiences. While physical addiction to psilocybin mushrooms is rare, psychological dependence can develop, and any substance has the potential to become psychologically addictive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gateway Drug | Not widely considered to be a gateway drug, but some argue that it can be due to its accessibility and perception as a "natural" drug among younger people. |
| Addiction | Low risk of physical addiction, but psychological dependence can develop due to the pleasant dissociative state it induces. Tolerance builds quickly, limiting chemical dependence. |
| Treatment | Individual counseling, group therapy, and CBT can help individuals understand triggers and develop coping mechanisms. |
| Side Effects | Changes in perception, thought, and mood, resulting in altered states of consciousness, hallucinations, and intense emotional experiences. Physical side effects may include dilated pupils, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness. |
| Therapeutic Benefits | May be effective in treating eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, opioid addiction, alcoholism, depression, and anxiety. |
| Legality | Classified as a Schedule I drug with a high potential for abuse and no recognized medicinal uses. However, some states have decriminalized its use, and the FDA granted breakthrough therapy status for treatment-resistant depression in 2018. |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are not widely considered gateway drugs
While any substance can become psychologically addictive, magic mushrooms are not widely considered gateway drugs. In contrast to other drugs, magic mushrooms have a low risk of addiction. Physical addiction to magic mushrooms is unlikely, and while psychological dependence can develop, tolerance builds quickly, limiting the potential for chemical dependence.
Magic mushrooms are also known as psilocybin mushrooms, or "shrooms". They are classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning they are considered to have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use for treatment, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. However, this classification is controversial, as psilocybin has been shown to be effective in treating various mental health disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, opioid addiction, alcoholism, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, psilocybin has been found to activate serotonin receptors, which can curb cravings and suppress appetite, making it a potential treatment for obesity and eating disorders.
The argument that magic mushrooms are gateway drugs stems from the fact that young people often do not understand the dangers associated with their use. Teenagers and young adults may view magic mushrooms as natural and relatively safe, making them more likely to experiment with them before trying other substances. However, magic mushrooms can have serious side effects, including changes in perception, thought, and mood, resulting in altered states of consciousness, hallucinations, and intense emotional experiences. These effects can be unpredictable, and some individuals may experience anxiety, paranoia, or a "bad trip".
While magic mushrooms are not considered gateway drugs by most, their use can still have negative consequences, particularly in young people. The availability of magic mushrooms online and in states where they have been decriminalized has contributed to their abuse among younger populations. Treatment for magic mushroom abuse typically involves individual counseling or group therapy to help individuals understand their drug use triggers and develop coping strategies to manage cravings and triggers.
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Young people are at risk of abusing magic mushrooms
While magic mushrooms are not widely considered to be a gateway drug, young people are at risk of abusing them. Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a classic psychedelic with hallucinogenic effects. They have been used for centuries by indigenous populations but became popular in the 1960s counterculture movement. Today, their use among young people is a growing concern.
According to the Monitoring the Future (MTF) panel study, marijuana and hallucinogen use among young adults aged 19 to 30 reached historic highs in 2021. The increased availability of magic mushrooms, due to their legalization for medicinal purposes in some states, has contributed to their abuse among younger populations. Additionally, the perception that magic mushrooms are "natural" and relatively safe may also make them appealing to young people.
Magic mushrooms are classified as a Schedule I drug in the US, indicating a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. However, there is ongoing research into their potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in treating various addictions, such as nicotine and alcohol dependence. While physical addiction to magic mushrooms is rare, psychological dependence can develop due to the pleasant dissociative state and feelings of connection they induce.
The consequences of magic mushroom abuse can vary depending on the amount and frequency of use. Common psychological effects include altered states of consciousness, hallucinations, and intense emotional experiences. Negative experiences, known as ""bad trips," can also occur, leading to anxiety and paranoia. Magic mushrooms can also cause unwanted physical side effects, such as increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness.
Treatment and rehabilitation for magic mushroom abuse typically involve individual counseling or group therapy, helping individuals understand their triggers and develop coping strategies. While magic mushrooms may not be widely considered a gateway drug, their abuse among young people is a serious issue that requires attention and appropriate support.
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Magic mushrooms can be used to treat other addictions
While magic mushrooms are not physically addictive, they can be habit-forming and psychologically addictive. However, unlike other drugs, the risk of addiction is low. Tolerance builds quickly to psilocybin, limiting its potential for chemical dependence.
Psilocybin mushrooms do not exhibit the same addictive properties as more commonly abused substances like opioids or stimulants. Studies show that people who use mushrooms regularly do not follow typical patterns of addiction, although they may continue to use mushrooms to attain pleasurable feelings associated with use, which can lead to somewhat problematic, compulsive patterns of use.
Magic mushrooms have been shown to be effective in treating other addictions. Researchers have been studying the effects of these mushrooms and believe that they can be used as a potential therapeutic option for a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and addiction.
The active chemical inside magic mushrooms, psilocybin, can make users see the world differently, causing researchers to explore how its side effects can be potentially therapeutic. The combination of psilocybin and therapy may be able to treat mental health conditions within one or two sessions. Researchers suggest that psilocybin's ability to disrupt the world and introduce “chaos” through hallucinations and altering people’s reality may also help treat addictions.
Treatment and rehabilitation for psilocybin mushroom abuse may include individual counselling or group therapy, which can help individuals understand their drug use triggers and develop coping skills to help them manage triggers and cravings.
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Magic mushrooms have therapeutic benefits in a controlled environment
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, contain the hallucinogenic drugs psilocin and psilocybin. They are mostly illegal in the US and are classified as Schedule I drugs, meaning they are considered to have "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse". However, there is growing evidence of their therapeutic benefits, and in a few US cities, possession of psilocybin mushrooms has been decriminalised.
Psilocybin has been used by some Indigenous communities for over 1000 years, and rock paintings in Western Australia suggest its use in Indigenous ceremonies over 10,000 years ago. In a clinical setting, a controlled dose of psilocybin is given to the patient under the supervision of a medical professional. This reduces the risk of a bad trip, which can occur when taking magic mushrooms recreationally.
Research has shown that psilocybin could be beneficial in treating psychiatric and behavioural conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, opioid addiction, alcoholism, depression, and anxiety. It is also being studied as a treatment for obesity and eating disorders, as it activates serotonin receptors that curb cravings and suppress appetite. In 2021, the Australian government announced $15 million worth of grants to researchers studying the mental health benefits of psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin.
From July 2023, medicines containing psilocybin can be prescribed by authorised psychiatrists to people experiencing treatment-resistant depression in Australia. However, it is important to note that psilocybin mushrooms may only have therapeutic benefits when used in a controlled environment and administered by a trained professional. Without professional supervision, one should not attempt to use the drug for medicinal purposes.
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Magic mushrooms are not physically addictive
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are not physically addictive. They are not considered to be physically addictive in the same way that other hallucinogens, such as PCP, are known to be. However, magic mushrooms can cause psychological dependence, leading to problematic drug use and negative consequences in an individual's life.
While magic mushrooms are not physically addictive, they can still be habit-forming. Some people may become obsessed with magic mushrooms, ceasing all other activities that do not involve their use. This can lead to isolation and negatively impact mental health. The creative and blissful feelings of connection induced by magic mushrooms can cause a psychological dependence, similar to other chemically benign pleasurable things, like chocolate.
Magic mushrooms are also known to induce perceptual alterations that can be mind-expanding but also disorienting. They can cause hallucinations, where an individual may see or hear things that are not present in reality. This can be dangerous, as it can lead to risky behaviour, such as an individual under the influence of mushrooms attempting to fly by jumping from a high-rise building.
The consequences of magic mushroom abuse can vary depending on how much and how often the drug is used. Some possible effects of abusing magic mushrooms include changes in perception, thought, and mood, resulting in altered states of consciousness, hallucinations, and intense emotional experiences. These effects can be unpredictable, and some individuals may experience anxiety, paranoia, or a "bad trip".
Treatment and rehabilitation for magic mushroom abuse may include individual counselling or group therapy to help individuals understand their drug use triggers and develop coping skills to manage triggers and cravings.
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