Laura Smith
Taking magic mushrooms alone can be a fun, spiritual, or educational experience if you embrace it. However, it can also be scary, especially if you try to control it. It is important to plan your trip in advance, choosing a safe, peaceful place to hang out, as trips usually last 8–12 hours. It is also a good idea to have a sober friend on standby in case you need help. If you are considering taking mushrooms alone, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to ensure your safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planning | Choose a safe, peaceful place to hang out, knowing that most trips last 8-12 hours. |
| Choose a particularly clear day and then the first half of the next day. | |
| Pick a safe environment and have a friend on call. | |
| Take the dose in the late morning or early afternoon. | |
| During the trip | Avoid mirrors, climbing, and sex with unfamiliar partners. |
| Stick to one substance at a time. | |
| Focus thoughts inward in a sensory deprivation state. | |
| Take notes about insights. | |
| After the trip | Understand that the withdrawal process can be long and difficult. |
| Seek help from professionals who specialize in addiction. |
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What You'll Learn
Plan your trip in advance and choose a safe, peaceful place
Planning your trip in advance and choosing a safe, peaceful place to take mushrooms alone is crucial for a positive and safe experience. Here are some detailed suggestions to consider:
First, choose a suitable location that is calm and secure. This could be your home or a peaceful outdoor spot, ensuring privacy and comfort. If you decide to be in nature, select a familiar and controlled environment to minimise potential risks. Plan to have a phone with you and consider informing a trusted friend of your whereabouts and intentions.
Secondly, prepare for the duration of the trip, which typically lasts between 3 to 12 hours, depending on the type and amount of mushrooms consumed. Clear your schedule for the day and ensure you have no other commitments or responsibilities that may interrupt your experience.
Additionally, consider the timing of your dose. Some people prefer to take their dose in the late morning or early afternoon, allowing enough time to come down from the trip before getting a good night's rest. You might also want to choose a clear day and the following morning to ensure you are well-rested and in a positive mood.
Furthermore, it is beneficial to plan activities or create a comfortable setting to enhance your experience. Some people opt for sensory deprivation, drawing the blinds, and using an eye mask to focus their thoughts inward. Alternatively, you might want to play soothing music, meditate, or spend time in nature, observing the tiny details often overlooked.
Remember, planning is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when taking mushrooms alone. Always prioritise your safety and well-being, and if possible, have a trusted friend on standby who can provide support if needed.
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Have a friend on standby
While it is possible to take mushrooms alone, it is always a good idea to have a friend on standby in case you need support. Choose a friend who won't be tripping, so that they can help you if you get injured or have a bad trip.
Before you take mushrooms, plan your trip with your friend. Pick a safe, peaceful place to be during the trip, and discuss things you can do if you have a bad trip. Make sure you are in the right frame of mind, as using hallucinogens can be scary if you try to control your trip rather than "roll with it". It is also important to avoid certain activities, such as climbing, looking in the mirror, or having sex with someone who is not a familiar partner, as these can have unexpected or unpleasant results.
During your trip, your friend can help you meditate or relax. They can also provide reassurance that the experience will pass and that they are there as your friend. It is a good idea to have your friend on hand for at least 8-12 hours, as this is how long most trips last.
If you are the friend, it is important to remain calm and supportive. Help your friend find a calm, safe environment, and remind them that they are having a hallucinogenic experience that will pass. You can also encourage them to focus on their breathing or meditate to help them relax.
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Avoid mixing with other substances
Mixing mushrooms with other substances can have unintended and unpredictable effects. It is important to avoid mixing mushrooms with other drugs, including alcohol, psychiatric medications, and other hallucinogens.
Alcohol
Combining mushrooms with alcohol can have unpredictable results and doctors recommend against it. Alcohol and mushrooms interact because they can affect the brain in similar ways, intensifying the drugs' effects, side effects, and potential risks. Mixing alcohol with mushrooms may cause nausea, panic attacks, negative emotions, and difficulty thinking clearly. It may also increase the risk of alcohol poisoning.
Psychiatric Medications
Mushrooms should not be taken by people on psychiatric medications as it may cause a relapse or worsening of the condition. Mixing mushrooms with antidepressants, for example, can lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal.
Other Hallucinogens
Mixing mushrooms with other hallucinogens, such as LSD, mescaline, or DMT, can also have unpredictable effects. Combining substances that act similarly can intensify the drugs' effects and increase the risk of a "bad trip".
Cannabis
Cannabis is a common substance that is often mixed with mushrooms. However, it can intensify the effects of mushrooms, especially visual and auditory hallucinations, which may be overwhelming and frightening for some individuals.
Stimulants
Mixing mushrooms with stimulant drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamines, or MDMA, should be avoided. Both mushrooms and stimulants can increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to potentially dangerous hypertension and tachycardia.
It is important to remember that the effects of mushroom consumption can vary from person to person, and the potential risks associated with mixing substances are significant. Always exercise caution and seek information about the specific type of mushroom and its dosage to minimize risks.
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Prepare for a range of effects, including hallucinations
If you choose to take mushrooms alone, it is important to prepare for a range of effects, including hallucinations. Mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic chemical, are known as magic mushrooms. The effects of psilocybin vary widely, and can include both mild and moderate side effects, as well as more severe reactions.
The hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin usually occur within 30 minutes of ingestion and can last between four and six hours. However, in some people, changes in sensory perception and thought patterns can last longer. The hallucinations caused by psilocybin can be either visual or auditory, meaning a person may see or hear things that are not real or are distorted. In addition to hallucinations, psilocybin can cause a person to feel euphoria, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, and panic. Some people may also experience nausea, excessive yawning, and delayed headaches. In rare cases, a huge amount of mushrooms can cause severe side effects that may lead to death.
It is also important to be aware that some mushrooms are extremely poisonous and can make people violently ill or even kill them. Poisoning from mushrooms may result in muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is crucial to properly identify mushrooms before consuming them and to seek medical attention if any negative side effects occur.
To prepare for the range of effects that may occur when taking mushrooms, it is recommended to have a sober friend present who can help you cope with any challenging experiences. It is also important to choose a safe and peaceful place to take mushrooms, as they can alter your sense of reality and affect your judgment. Additionally, it is best to avoid activities such as climbing, looking in the mirror, or driving, as these can have unpleasant or unexpected outcomes.
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Seek professional help if you experience addiction
While the risk of addiction to psilocybin mushrooms is low, psychological dependence can develop. If you or someone you know is struggling with mushroom addiction, it is important to seek professional help. Treatment and rehabilitation for psilocybin mushroom abuse may vary depending on the severity of the problem and the individual's needs. It is important to reach out for help as soon as possible to prevent long-term negative consequences.
Supervised medical detox can support patients through the withdrawal process and increase the likelihood of successful recovery. Treatment programs can provide a structured and secure environment for people to focus on their recovery and develop the necessary skills to maintain long-term sobriety. Whether an individual needs inpatient or outpatient treatment depends on their specific needs, level of substance abuse, and other factors.
Therapy is an important component of treatment for mushroom addiction. Individual counselling or group therapy can help individuals understand their drug use triggers and develop coping skills to manage triggers and cravings. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a widely used approach that helps individuals identify negative thoughts or coping mechanisms that may contribute to drug use. Behavioural therapies, life skills training, medication management, and support groups are also effective components of treatment.
If you are concerned about mushroom addiction, reach out to a healthcare professional or a specialist treatment centre. They can provide you with the support and resources you need to begin your recovery journey. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and taking that first step is crucial to achieving long-term recovery and improving your overall well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushroom effects usually last between 3 to 6 hours and can cause hallucinations, detachment from the body, anxiety, and fear.
It is important to plan your trip and choose a safe, peaceful place. It is also recommended to have a friend who is not tripping to help you in case you get injured or have a bad trip.
It is best to avoid climbing on things, looking in the mirror, or having sex with someone who is not a familiar partner. These activities can lead to unexpected or unpleasant outcomes.
Magic mushrooms can be eaten on their own or chopped up and added to food. They are known for their bitter taste, so some people choose to cook them with other ingredients or spread peanut butter or honey on them.
