Emma Wilson
Psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms. It is metabolized in the body to the active drug psilocin, which is also present in many of the same mushrooms. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary widely, ranging from euphoria and heightened senses to hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. The length and intensity of each trip depend on factors such as the strength of the mushrooms, the dosage, and individual factors such as mood, personality, and expectations. While psilocybin is not considered physically or psychologically addictive, regular use can lead to tolerance, and there are potential risks associated with its use, including disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, panic attacks, and in rare cases, flashbacks or even death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Forms | Oral ingestion, brewed tea, mixed with food, capsule form, covered with chocolate |
| Effects | Euphoria, hallucinations, anxiety, panic, paranoia, nervousness, distorted sense of time, place and reality, flashbacks, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, yawning |
| Risks | Poisoning, psychosis, death |
| Addiction | No physical dependence, mild psychological withdrawal effects |
| Legality | Schedule I substance, considered to have a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose |
| History | Used in traditional ceremonies, spiritual rituals as far back as 3000 B.C. |
| Research | Studied as a potential treatment for mental illnesses, including substance use disorders, depression, PTSD, addiction, pain, neurodegenerative disorders |
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What You'll Learn
Methods of consumption
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin in the body. Psilocin is the chemical with psychoactive properties.
Eating Fresh or Dried Mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms can be eaten fresh or dried. When consuming dried mushrooms, they can be eaten as whole pieces or ground into a powder. Eating dried mushrooms may result in a slower onset of effects compared to other methods, with more moderate effects but a marginally longer-lasting high. It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary depending on dosage, age, weight, personality, emotional state, environment, history of mental illness, and other factors.
Brewing Mushroom Tea
Another popular method of consumption is brewing psilocybin mushrooms into a tea. This method allows users to improve the taste and bypass the need to ingest chitin, a compound in the cell walls of mushrooms that can cause nausea and stomach upset. Lemon juice can also be added to mushroom tea to convert psilocybin into psilocin faster, increasing potency.
Mixing with Food
Psilocybin mushrooms can also be mixed with food. However, it is important to ensure that the mushrooms are not heated above 70ºC, as this can cause the psilocybin to degrade and decrease the effects. Some popular food items to mix with psilocybin mushrooms include chocolate and soup.
Smoking
Psilocybin mushrooms can be smoked by mixing them with cannabis or tobacco.
Capsules
Dried mushrooms can also be ground into a powder and placed into capsules for easier consumption.
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Physical effects
Psilocybin, the naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms, can cause a range of physical effects. The physical side effects of consuming psilocybin mushrooms include an increased heart rate, higher body temperature, increased sweating, nausea, vomiting, and dilated pupils. Some people may also experience chills, facial flushing, headaches, and irregular heartbeats. In rare cases, consuming a large amount of mushrooms can cause severe side effects that may even lead to death.
The physical effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary depending on the individual and the dose and type of mushroom consumed. The effects typically begin within 15 to 45 minutes of consumption and can last for four to six hours. The strength of magic mushrooms can vary greatly, and it is hard to know how strong a mushroom is before consuming it.
It is important to note that consuming psilocybin mushrooms can also lead to impaired judgment and an altered state of consciousness, which may result in dangerous behaviours such as driving or walking in traffic. Additionally, there is a risk of misidentifying mushrooms, as many species look alike, and consuming a poisonous mushroom instead of one containing psilocybin.
While psilocybin is not considered addictive, regular use may lead to tolerance, and cross-tolerance with other drugs such as LSD and mescaline has been observed. However, there is little evidence of physical or psychological dependence, and no physical symptoms have been reported after stopping use.
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Psychological effects
Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, is a hallucinogenic chemical that can induce a variety of psychological effects. The psychological effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary depending on individual factors such as mood, expectations, and environment. Here are some key psychological effects to be aware of:
Hallucinations and Perceptual Changes: Psilocybin is known for its hallucinogenic effects, which can cause visual and auditory hallucinations. These hallucinations can distort how people perceive objects and their environment, leading to sensory distortions and a sense of time distortion.
Euphoria and Wellbeing: Psilocybin can induce feelings of euphoria, wellbeing, and satisfaction. It interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, which are associated with mood and satisfaction. This can lead to an enhanced sense of satisfaction and happiness.
Spiritual Experiences: Psilocybin has been traditionally used in spiritual rituals and is known to induce spiritual experiences. Some people report having mystical or transcendent experiences that can lead to positive psychological changes, such as increased prosocial attitudes and behaviours.
Anxiety and Panic: While psilocybin can induce feelings of euphoria, it can also cause adverse reactions such as anxiety, panic attacks, and disturbing hallucinations. Higher doses and pre-existing mental health conditions may increase the risk of negative experiences, including extreme anxiety and short-term psychosis.
Flashbacks: Regular use of psilocybin mushrooms may lead to flashbacks, which are typically visual distortions involving changes in emotions or perception. Flashbacks can occur weeks, months, or even years after the last consumption and can be triggered by stress, tiredness, or certain drugs.
Therapeutic Potential: Psilocybin has gained attention for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Small clinical trials have shown promising results in treating treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. However, it is important to note that psilocybin may not be suitable for everyone, especially individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or those currently taking certain medications.
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Addiction and withdrawal
Psilocybin mushrooms, often referred to as "shrooms" or "magic mushrooms", are not considered highly addictive. However, they can lead to psychological dependence, and some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use.
While physical withdrawal symptoms are uncommon, individuals may experience lingering effects such as fatigue and difficulty distinguishing fantasy or dreams from reality for a day or two after ingesting mushrooms. Psychological withdrawal symptoms may include headaches, mood changes, flashbacks, and cravings. These symptoms typically occur 24 to 48 hours after stopping use and can be managed through a supervised medical detox programme.
The risk of developing an addiction to psilocybin mushrooms is relatively low compared to other commonly abused substances such as opioids or stimulants. However, certain factors can increase the odds of problematic mushroom use and addiction, including high levels of stress, childhood trauma, co-occurring mental health or medical issues, personal or family history of addiction, polysubstance abuse, and easy access to mushrooms.
Treatment for mushroom addiction typically involves therapeutic and supportive methods. Therapy forms the backbone of treatment, addressing the underlying reasons for substance abuse. Behavioural therapies, individual and group counselling, life skills training, medication management, and support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are all components of a comprehensive treatment plan.
To summarise, while psilocybin mushrooms are not highly addictive, they can lead to psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Treatment for mushroom addiction involves addressing the underlying causes through therapy and supportive care.
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Risks and safety
Shrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. While shrooms have been associated with spiritual experiences and self-discovery, and are being explored for their potential therapeutic benefits, they carry risks that people should be aware of.
Firstly, it is important to note that shrooms are illegal in most places. In the United States, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I substance, meaning that it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose. Additionally, the only way to eliminate the risk of a bad trip is by not taking magic mushrooms. The effects of psilocybin vary widely, and while adverse side effects are often mild or moderate and may resolve with time, some people may require medical treatment.
Hallucinogenic drugs like shrooms can cause unpredictable and potentially dangerous behaviour, which can lead to injuries. They may also distort how some people perceive objects and people in their environment, leading to an inability to discern fantasy from reality. This can be especially disturbing if a frightening hallucination or experience is recalled. In some cases, panic reactions and psychotic-like episodes may occur, particularly with high doses.
It is also important to be cautious when consuming mushrooms, as they may be mistaken for other mushrooms that are poisonous. Dried hallucinogens may also contain other substances, which may affect their safety profile. Additionally, those on psychiatric medications should avoid taking shrooms, as it may lead to a relapse or worsening of the condition. Combining magic mushrooms with other drugs, including ice, speed, ecstasy, or psychiatric medications, can increase the chances of a bad trip and lead to panic.
While regular use of shrooms does not appear to cause physical dependence, there may be mild psychological withdrawal effects or feelings of tiredness. Some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may also experience flashbacks, which can be disturbing and are usually triggered by using other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise. If your use of shrooms is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, or other life situations, it is important to seek professional help and support.
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