Sarah Brown
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are fungi that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. They are commonly consumed for their hallucinogenic effects, which can include sensory distortion and euphoria. While some users report positive effects such as increased openness and creativity, there are also negative effects associated with magic mushroom consumption. These adverse effects range from mild psychological effects and heightened impulsivity to disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and panic. The biggest danger of consuming magic mushrooms is the risk of accidentally ingesting poisonous mushrooms, which can lead to severe illness or even death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Negative effects | Heightened impulsivity, difficulties in social functioning, disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, panic, paranoia, loss of boundaries, distorted sense of self, unpredictable and potentially dangerous behavior, poisoning, septic shock, multi-system organ failure |
| Addictiveness | Low risk of addiction, not considered addictive by current research |
| Tolerance | Tolerance develops rapidly with continued use, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect |
| Withdrawal | Potential mild psychological effects, feeling tired |
| Poisonous look-alikes | Many poisonous mushrooms look very similar to magic mushrooms, and it's easy for pickers to mistake them |
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What You'll Learn
Poisoning and poisoning lookalikes
Poisoning is a significant risk when consuming mushrooms. The biggest danger to your health when consuming mushrooms is accidentally eating a poisonous mushroom. Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness and even death. Poisoning symptoms may include muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium, as well as paranoia, loss of boundaries, distorted senses of reality, and a distorted sense of self. If you suspect that you or someone else has consumed a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur. Seek immediate medical attention.
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are fungi that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. They are commonly found in various regions worldwide and have been used for centuries for their mind-altering properties. When consumed, psilocybin is converted to psilocin in the body, which has psychoactive properties. The effects of magic mushrooms typically appear within 15 to 45 minutes and can last up to five hours. The duration and intensity of the effects depend on individual factors such as dosage, size, and other drugs consumed.
It is important to note that magic mushrooms closely resemble certain types of poisonous mushrooms. People who pick or consume wild mushrooms may mistakenly ingest poisonous varieties, leading to severe health risks. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately identify mushrooms before consumption to avoid poisoning.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely, ranging from euphoria and hallucinations to anxiety, panic, and disturbing hallucinations. The impact can depend on individual factors such as mood, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, expectations, and the environment in which they are consumed. While magic mushrooms are generally considered to have a low potential for addiction compared to other substances, psychological dependence can develop. Tolerance to the effects of magic mushrooms can also develop rapidly, leading individuals to consume higher doses to achieve the desired effects.
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Short-term mental and physical effects
The short-term effects of psilocybin mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, encompass a range of powerful and often profound experiences. The effects can vary widely from person to person, depending on individual differences, dosage, and frequency of use. The effects of psilocybin usually occur within 15 to 45 minutes after ingestion and can last between four and six hours. In some people, changes in sensory perception and thought patterns can last longer.
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic, meaning they can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, and behaviour. They can induce euphoria, sensory distortion, and hallucinations. Users may experience heightened emotions and senses, creativity, and a sense of mental and emotional clarity. However, they may also experience disturbing hallucinations, paranoia, loss of boundaries, a distorted sense of self, and impaired judgment, which can lead to risk-taking behaviour and traumatic injuries.
The risk of a bad trip, or negative experience, may increase if a person takes higher doses of psilocybin, has feelings of anxiety or stress before taking it, or is in an unfamiliar or crowded environment. During a bad trip, individuals may experience frightening hallucinations, anxiety, or panic. It is important to note that the biggest danger associated with magic mushrooms is the risk of consuming poisonous mushrooms by mistake, as many poisonous mushrooms look very similar to magic mushrooms. Poisoning from mushrooms can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
While magic mushrooms are generally considered to have a low potential for addiction compared to other substances, tolerance can develop rapidly with continued use, and cross-tolerance occurs with other drugs such as LSD and mescaline. There is little evidence of physical or psychological dependence, and no physical withdrawal symptoms have been reported. However, some users may experience mild psychological effects or feelings of tiredness after discontinuing use. Regular use may also lead to psychological effects such as heightened impulsivity or difficulties in social functioning.
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Long-term mental and physical effects
Although psilocybin, the active compound in mushrooms, may have beneficial effects when used in a carefully monitored and controlled setting, the long-term effects of repeated or prolonged use are not yet fully understood. The physical long-term effects of shrooms are considered rare, and the drug is believed to be one of the least toxic substances known. However, adverse physical effects may be connected to underlying psychological disorders or the use of mushrooms with other substances.
The main effects of shrooms are psychological, and the risks associated with psychedelic drugs are mostly in this domain. Long-term changes in personality, attitudes, depression, spirituality, anxiety, well-being, substance misuse, and mindfulness have been documented. Some individuals may experience positive changes, such as increased openness, creativity, and a greater sense of spirituality. However, others may encounter negative consequences, such as heightened impulsivity or difficulties in social functioning.
Additionally, there is a potential risk of developing a psychological dependence on the psychedelic experience, leading to a compulsion to use shrooms to recreate desired experiences or cope with emotional challenges. This can result in neglecting responsibilities, increased tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms when not using. The impact of shrooms can vary depending on individual differences, dosage, and frequency of use.
It is important to note that the potential dangers of recreational use, such as mistaken poisoning or injury while under the influence, should not be overlooked. Furthermore, the combination of shrooms with other drugs or medications can introduce additional risks and dangers. While the long-term effects of shrooms may not be as severe as those associated with some other substances, the lack of comprehensive research underscores the importance of caution and professional supervision when considering the use of psilocybin mushrooms.
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Addiction and tolerance
Addiction
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, do not exhibit the same addictive properties as more commonly abused substances like opioids or stimulants. The addiction risk associated with magic mushrooms is considered low. However, it is important to note that psychological dependence can still develop, and some individuals may continue using mushrooms to attain pleasurable feelings, which can lead to problematic and compulsive patterns of use. Additionally, the availability and perception of magic mushrooms as a "natural" and relatively safe drug have contributed to their abuse among younger populations, emphasizing the need for education and prevention efforts.
It is worth noting that there is currently no medication available to treat addiction to magic mushrooms or other hallucinogens. However, treatment options such as inpatient rehab, outpatient programming, and other rehab services are available for those struggling with mushroom misuse or co-occurring substance use disorders.
Tolerance
Tolerance to magic mushrooms refers to the reduction in effectiveness that occurs with regular, repeated use of psilocybin. The body builds tolerance because psilocybin interacts with the body's serotonin receptors, specifically the 5HT2A receptors. Over time, these receptors become downregulated, causing the body to become desensitized to the effects of psilocin, the psychoactive compound produced when psilocybin is ingested. As a result, individuals may increase their dosage in an attempt to achieve the desired effects, leading to either diminished returns or an unintentionally intense trip.
The good news is that magic mushroom tolerance is not long-lasting. Serotonin receptors typically return to their base level within about two weeks, after which individuals can once again experience the full effects of a given dose. Additionally, mushroom tolerance calculators are available online to help individuals estimate appropriate dosages and manage their tolerance.
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Bad trips
A "bad trip" is a negative experience of psychedelic intoxication. It is called a trip because the hallucinations caused by the drugs can be so strange that it feels as if you are in a whole different world. A bad trip can lead to excessive fear, agitation, or emotionally disturbing situations. Someone having a bad trip may feel as if time is standing still and may have disturbing hallucinations that cause extreme fear or mood swings.
The risk of a bad trip may increase if a person takes a higher dose of psilocybin or has feelings of anxiety or stress before taking it. The environment in which someone takes a psychedelic drug also plays a role in determining whether the experience will be good or bad. For example, using magic mushrooms in a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment can contribute to a pleasant experience, but being in a noisy, crowded place may result in a negative experience. Being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends, and in a safe environment before taking magic mushrooms reduces the risk of having a bad trip.
The only way to eliminate the risk of a bad trip is by not taking magic mushrooms. Adverse side effects are often mild or moderate and may resolve with time, but some people may require medical treatment. Hallucinogenic drugs may cause unpredictable, potentially dangerous behavior, which can lead to injuries.
There are many reported cases of bad trips on magic mushrooms. In one instance, an emotionally distressed off-duty pilot tried to down a passenger plane two days after a mushroom trip and no sleep for forty hours because he thought he was dreaming and wanted to wake up. In another instance, a woman ate some mushrooms before her wedding reception, and an hour later, she couldn't make sense of anything around her. The anxiety came from the expectation to function in the world, which, of course, she was unable to do.
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Frequently asked questions
Consuming mushrooms can lead to a range of negative effects, including hallucinations, anxiety, panic, paranoia, loss of boundaries, distorted senses, and a distorted sense of self. The biggest danger is accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms, which can cause severe illness or even death.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning may include muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium. If you believe you have consumed poisonous mushrooms, seek immediate medical attention. Keep a sample of the mushroom to help with identification and treatment.
Mushrooms are generally not considered highly addictive, and current research suggests that psilocybin, the active compound in mushrooms, is not addictive. However, psychological dependence can develop, and individuals may feel compelled to use mushrooms to recreate desired experiences or cope with emotional challenges.
Yes, consuming mushrooms can have short-term and long-term mental health effects. Negative psychological impacts may include heightened impulsivity and difficulties in social functioning. It is important to be mindful of your mental state and environment when consuming mushrooms, as these factors can influence your experience.
Yes, mushrooms that contain psilocybin are often classified as controlled substances and are illegal in many places. Possession and supply of these mushrooms can result in significant legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, or both. Driving under the influence of mushrooms is also illegal and dangerous.
