Emma Wilson
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, can be ingested orally, brewed as tea, or added to food. While a mushroom overdose is not usually fatal, it can cause physical and psychological harm. The symptoms of a psilocybin overdose can be intense and uncomfortable, and may include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, increased heart rate, and panic attacks. It is important to note that consuming mushrooms carries the risk of accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms, which can be life-threatening. Mixing mushrooms with other substances, such as alcohol or drugs, can also increase the risk of negative effects and overdose.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of overdose | Yes |
| Nature of overdose | Different from opioids or alcohol |
| Physical risks | Secondary |
| Behavioral effects | Extreme, causing impaired judgement and coordination |
| Adverse experiences | Accidents, injuries, self-harm, harm to others |
| Symptoms of overdose | Psychological, physical harm, panic, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, flashbacks, decreased motivation, depression, impaired memory and concentration |
| Deaths caused by overdose | Very rare |
| Treatment | Support groups, peer assistance, balanced diet, exercise, mindfulness, meditation |
| Tolerance | Develops rapidly with continued use |
| Withdrawal effects | Mild psychological effects, tiredness, headaches, exhaustion, depression, anxiety |
| Support | National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline, Vogue Recovery Centers, Banyan Treatment Centers Texas |
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What You'll Learn
- Yes, you can overdose on mushrooms, but it's rarely fatal
- The effects of a mushroom overdose can be both physical and psychological
- Mushrooms can be mistaken for poisonous varieties, which can be deadly
- The potency of mushrooms varies, making it easy to consume more than intended
- Mixing mushrooms with other substances increases the risk of overdose
Yes, you can overdose on mushrooms, but it's rarely fatal
The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted by the body into psilocin, the chemical responsible for the psychoactive properties. Psilocybin mushrooms have low toxicity, and death from an overdose is very rare. In a 2016 survey of 12,000 users, only 0.2% reported requiring emergency medical treatment, a significantly lower rate than other drugs like MDMA, LSD, and cocaine. The lethal dose of psilocybin in humans is not known, and the few deaths that have occurred often involve the use of other substances, particularly alcohol.
However, it is important to note that overdosing on mushrooms can lead to physical and psychological harm. An overdose can cause extreme behavioural effects, impairing an individual's thought processes and coordination, which may result in accidents or injuries. It can also lead to severe psychological distress, delusional beliefs, and self-harm. Additionally, there are potential long-term side effects, including decreased motivation, depression, impaired memory and concentration, and hallucinogen persisting perception disorder, characterised by flashbacks of previous trips.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and are influenced by factors such as the amount consumed, the potency of the batch, and individual differences in metabolism and body weight. It is also important to be aware that magic mushrooms closely resemble certain types of poisonous mushrooms, which can cause severe illness or even death. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately identify the mushrooms before consumption and be cautious when sourcing them, as there have been reports of mushrooms being laced with other substances.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mushroom misuse or experiencing negative consequences, there are treatment options available, including inpatient rehab and outpatient services, to help address substance use disorders and promote long-term sobriety.
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The effects of a mushroom overdose can be both physical and psychological
While it is possible to overdose on psychedelic mushrooms, the nature of a mushroom overdose differs from that of many other substances, such as opioids or alcohol. Psilocybin, the key ingredient in magic mushrooms, is not considered toxic in the same way as many other drugs. The physical risks associated with a psilocybin overdose are generally secondary.
The behavioural effects of mushrooms can be extreme, causing the user to act differently and have impaired thought processes. As a result of an overdose, adverse experiences are possible, including accidents or injuries due to impaired judgment and coordination, and self-harm incidents resulting from severe psychological distress or delusional beliefs.
Mushrooms are not considered to be as addictive as other substances, but misuse does occur and can lead to adverse effects. The symptoms of a mushroom overdose are primarily psychological, and no dose is considered "safe" with the current research, especially when considering recreational consumption. Taking mushrooms alone can lead to harmful health effects, negative psychological experiences, and potential dependence.
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Mushrooms can be mistaken for poisonous varieties, which can be deadly
Mushrooms can be extremely dangerous, and even deadly, if mistaken for a poisonous variety. Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are often consumed for their psychoactive properties, but they can also induce negative experiences, commonly referred to as a "bad trip". While the effects of magic mushrooms are typically not life-threatening, consuming a large amount or a strong batch can lead to a bad trip, causing unpleasant psychological symptoms. These symptoms include anxiety, panic, paranoia, frightening hallucinations, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality.
The physical effects of consuming psilocybin mushrooms can include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination. While psilocybin itself is not considered highly toxic, the physical risks associated with an overdose can be severe. Impaired judgment and coordination can lead to accidents or injuries, and severe psychological distress can result in self-harm or harm to others. Although death from a psilocybin overdose is rare, it is possible, especially when combined with other substances.
The main risk of consuming magic mushrooms is their similarity in appearance to certain types of poisonous mushrooms. It is crucial to accurately identify the mushrooms before consumption, as ingesting poisonous mushrooms can have serious health consequences, including death. If there is any doubt about the identity of the mushrooms, it is advised not to consume them. In the event of accidental ingestion of poisonous mushrooms, immediate medical attention should be sought, and emergency services should be contacted if the person experiences severe symptoms such as collapse, stopped breathing, seizures, or anaphylaxis.
While the lethal dose of psilocybin for humans is unknown, it is estimated to be extremely high, with one calculation suggesting a 60 kg human would need to consume 16.78 kg of fresh mushrooms to reach the median lethal dose observed in rats. However, individuals with underlying health conditions or those consuming psilocybin alongside other substances may be more susceptible to adverse effects. Additionally, the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can be unpredictable and heavily influenced by the mindset and environment of the user. Therefore, it is challenging to determine a safe dose, and any dose may potentially lead to harmful health or psychological consequences.
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The potency of mushrooms varies, making it easy to consume more than intended
Magic mushrooms can affect everyone differently, and the potency can vary depending on the type of mushroom and the amount consumed. The most common types of magic mushrooms in Australia, for example, are golden tops, blue meanies, and liberty caps. The potency of these mushrooms can differ significantly, and consuming a more potent variety can lead to an unintentional overdose.
Additionally, the potency of mushrooms can be affected by the way they are prepared and consumed. Magic mushrooms can be consumed raw, dried, or brewed into a tea. The method of consumption can impact the concentration and absorption of the active compounds, psilocybin and psilocin, in the body. For example, brewing mushrooms into a tea may affect the potency and onset of effects compared to consuming them raw or dried.
The variability in mushroom potency, coupled with the difficulty in measuring the dosage, increases the risk of consuming more than intended. This can lead to adverse effects, commonly known as a "bad trip." Symptoms of a bad trip can include frightening hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, confusion, and panic. While death from a magic mushroom overdose is rare, it is important to be cautious and aware of the potential risks associated with their consumption.
Furthermore, the potency of mushrooms can be influenced by the presence of other substances. Polydrug use, or the use of multiple drugs in combination, can increase the risk of adverse effects. For example, the few deaths caused by psilocybin use often involve the consumption of other substances, particularly alcohol. It is crucial to be mindful of potential interactions and to seek help if mushroom use becomes disruptive to one's life or leads to negative psychological experiences.
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Mixing mushrooms with other substances increases the risk of overdose
While it is possible to overdose on psychedelic mushrooms, the nature of a psilocybin overdose is different from that of many other substances, such as opioids or alcohol. Psilocybin itself is not known to be toxic, and there are only three known deaths attributed to magic mushroom toxicity. The powerful psychological effects of psilocybin can induce adverse reactions, such as anxiety, disorientation, fear, grief, paranoia, and panic attacks, even in moderate doses.
Mushrooms are often combined with cannabis, with one study finding that nearly 60% of university students who had recently taken magic mushrooms consumed cannabis simultaneously. Anecdotal evidence suggests that people use cannabis to manage the nausea and anxiety that mushrooms can cause. Cannabis can also intensify the effects of psilocybin, especially the visual and auditory hallucinations. Mixing mushrooms with psychiatric medications should also be avoided, as it could lead to a relapse or worsening of the condition.
The effects of taking magic mushrooms with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can be unpredictable and dangerous. Mixing mushrooms with substances like ice, speed, or ecstasy can increase the chances of a bad trip and lead to panic. Young age is also associated with a higher risk of emergency medical presentations due to mushroom consumption.
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