Laura Smith
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a type of fungi that contain the psychoactive substance psilocybin. They are often ingested to induce hallucinations, increase mood, alter perception, induce euphoria, and alter the thinking process. While many believe that these mushrooms are natural and safe, there are risks involved. It is possible to overdose on shrooms, but death is rare. The biggest risk is ingesting poisonous mushrooms, which can be deadly. However, even non-poisonous mushrooms can induce a 'bad trip', which may lead to self-harm and, in rare cases, death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of death | Unlikely, but not impossible |
| Cause of death | Poisoning from toxic mushroom species, self-harm during a "bad trip" |
| Risk factors | Underlying health conditions, mixing with other substances, dosage, environment, mental health disorders |
| Symptoms of poisoning | Abdominal pain, muscle pain, mucus in the lungs, slow heart rate, excessive sweating, muscle spasms |
| Overdose symptoms | Anxiety, panic attacks, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, paranoia, frightening hallucinations, ego death |
| Treatment | Medical attention is rarely needed; population-level studies suggest no serious mental health problems |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
It is possible to overdose on mushrooms, but death is unlikely
While it is possible to overdose on mushrooms, death is highly unlikely. Mushrooms that contain psilocybin are typically not deadly and have low toxicity. However, it's important to note that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms are unpredictable and can vary depending on the user and their environment.
Psilocybin mushrooms can cause a range of physical and psychological effects, including hallucinations, altered mood, and distorted perception of reality. While these effects can be sought after by recreational users, they can also lead to a "bad trip," which is characterised by paranoia, fear, and disturbing visions. In rare cases, regular hallucinogen users may experience symptoms of hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), where they continue to have sensory disturbances long after the drug has left their system.
The risk of a bad trip or overdose can be minimised by following certain guidelines, such as taking mushrooms with someone you trust, ingesting them in a comfortable and familiar place, and avoiding them altogether if you are feeling upset or depressed. It is also important to be aware of the potential for mushroom poisoning, as toxic mushroom species outnumber those containing psilocybin. Ingesting the wrong type of mushroom can be fatal, and symptoms of poisoning can include abdominal pain, muscle pain, mucus in the lungs, and slow heart rate.
While death from a psilocybin mushroom overdose is rare, it is still possible to experience severe physiological and psychological consequences. Combining mushrooms with other substances, such as alcohol or drugs, can increase the risk of adverse effects, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions. Additionally, repeated use of mushrooms can lead to a psychological habit that is challenging to break.
It is worth noting that the media has often portrayed psychedelic mushrooms as extremely dangerous, associating their use with self-harm, psychosis, and death. However, population-level studies suggest that lifetime psychedelic use is not linked to serious mental health problems, and the 2016 Global Drug Survey found psilocybin mushrooms to be the safest recreational drug when compared to other substances.
Mushroom Anemones: Secrets of Their Reproduction
You may want to see also
Poisonous mushrooms can be fatal
While it is rare for someone to die from ingesting psilocybin mushrooms, it is possible to overdose on them. The risk of death is usually associated with poisonous mushrooms or bad trips.
Psilocybin mushrooms have low toxicity, and death from an overdose is very rare. A 2016 survey found that out of 12,000 users, only 0.2% required emergency medical treatment. This rate is five times lower than that of other drugs like MDMA, LSD, and cocaine.
However, one of the biggest risks of consuming mushrooms is ingesting the wrong type. Toxic mushroom species outnumber those containing psilocybin by 10 to 1, and some poisonous varieties may resemble psilocybin mushrooms in appearance and hallucinogenic effects. The symptoms of mushroom poisoning vary by species but can include abdominal pain, muscle pain, mucus in the lungs, a slow heart rate, excessive sweating, and muscle spasms. Some mushrooms cause delayed but deadly effects, including kidney or liver failure.
In addition to poisonous mushrooms, bad trips can also lead to self-harm and death. While rare, individuals may experience intense paranoia, frightening hallucinations, and disturbing visions that can result in harmful actions, such as jumping out of a window because they believe they can fly.
To minimize the risks associated with mushroom ingestion, users should take them with someone they trust, ingest them in a comfortable and familiar place, avoid taking them if upset or depressed, and refrain from taking more if the effects are not immediately felt.
Trimming Chanterelles: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection
You may want to see also
Underlying health conditions and mixing substances can increase adverse effects
While psilocybin mushrooms have low toxicity, and death from an overdose is very rare, underlying health conditions and mixing substances can increase adverse effects.
People with underlying health conditions, particularly mental health conditions, may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of psilocybin mushrooms. For example, those with co-occurring mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may be more prone to developing hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), a rare condition where individuals continue to experience hallucinations and other sensory disturbances long after the drug effects would normally wear off.
Additionally, psilocybin mushrooms are often used or misused alongside other drugs and alcohol, which can lead to dangerous interactions. Mixing mushrooms with stimulants, for example, can cause a dangerous increase in heart rate and blood pressure, and in extreme cases, even lead to heart attacks or seizures. Combining mushrooms with depressants like alcohol and opioids can also increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Furthermore, the effects of one drug can mask the effects of the other, making it difficult to gauge the appropriate amount to consume and potentially leading to overconsumption of either substance.
The risk of adverse effects is also heightened when mushrooms are mixed with other hallucinogens or antidepressants, as this combination can lead to serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition that can be fatal. It is important to note that even when taken on their own, psilocybin mushrooms can cause unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential risks associated with substance use, especially when underlying health conditions are present.
Psychedelic Fungi: Mario's Magic Mushrooms Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$15.8 $17.99
Bad trips can cause self-harm and psychosis
While it is uncommon to die from an overdose of magic mushrooms, bad trips can lead to self-harm and psychosis. The intensity of a bad trip can cause distress, agitation, and psychosis. In some cases, individuals may experience psychotic breaks and lasting psychological damage. For example, there is an urban legend about a tripper who was locked away because he believed he was a glass of orange juice.
Most reported deaths associated with magic mushrooms involve people harming themselves during a bad trip. A classic example is a mushroom user who jumps out of a window because they believe they can fly. While these cases are exceedingly rare, they often draw sensationalized headlines.
Mushrooms with a faster onset of symptoms are often less dangerous than those with delayed effects. The most dangerous species include Amanita, Gyromitra, and Cortinarius. Ingesting the wrong type of mushroom can be fatal if it is poisonous. Toxic mushroom species outnumber those containing psilocybin by 10 to 1, and some of these poisonous mushrooms may resemble psilocybin mushrooms in appearance and hallucinogenic effects.
To minimize the risk of a bad trip, users should ingest mushrooms with someone they trust in a comfortable environment. It is also important to avoid taking mushrooms when upset or depressed and to refrain from taking more if the initial effects are not felt. Having a buddy who is sober can be helpful during a bad trip, as they can help to establish which drugs were taken and monitor vital signs.
Creating a Magical 1-Up Mushroom Cake
You may want to see also
Long-term use can lead to psychological dependence
While it is uncommon to die from taking mushrooms, it is possible to overdose on them. However, death from an overdose is very rare due to the low toxicity of psilocybin mushrooms. The biggest risk of death is from accidentally consuming a toxic mushroom species, as toxic mushrooms outnumber those containing psilocybin by 10 to 1. Ingesting poisonous mushrooms can lead to mushroom poisoning, with symptoms such as abdominal pain, muscle pain, and in severe cases, organ failure and death.
Another risk associated with taking mushrooms is the possibility of a "bad trip", which can lead to frightening hallucinations, paranoia, and severe anxiety. While uncommon, there is a link between psilocybin use and psychosis that can persist after stopping the drug. Additionally, regular hallucinogen users may experience symptoms of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder, where they continue to have sensory disturbances such as intensified colours and afterimages even after the drug has worn off.
Long-term use of mushrooms can also lead to psychological dependence, despite the overall low addiction potential. This is because, after repeated use, individuals can develop strong associations with using mushrooms in specific settings or with certain people, leading to frequent use. Behavioral signs of psychedelic mushroom addiction include strained or ended relationships due to mushroom use, spending excessive amounts of money on obtaining mushrooms, and encountering legal problems related to possession or distribution. However, it is important to note that mushroom use does not typically lead to physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms are primarily limited to mild psychological effects and fatigue.
To minimise the risks associated with mushroom use, it is recommended to take them with someone you trust, in a comfortable and safe environment, and to avoid taking more if you do not feel the effects right away. Additionally, individuals with underlying health conditions or those taking other substances alongside mushrooms may be more susceptible to adverse effects. If you or someone you know is struggling with mushroom misuse, therapeutic support and treatment options are available.
Mushroom Possession: Illegal Amounts and Legal Consequences
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can overdose on mushrooms, but it is very rare for it to be fatal. An overdose can be intensely uncomfortable both physically and mentally, with symptoms including anxiety, panic attacks, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Mushrooms can cause a "bad trip", which can lead to frightening hallucinations, paranoia, fear, disturbing visions, and ego death. People with underlying health conditions or who take mushrooms alongside other substances may be more susceptible to adverse effects. There is also a risk of accidental poisoning if you ingest the wrong type of mushroom, as toxic mushroom species outnumber those that contain psilocybin by 10 to 1.
While it is uncommon, there have been reported deaths associated with psilocybin mushrooms, often due to people harming themselves during a bad trip. However, these cases are considered exceedingly rare.
