Sarah Brown
Mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, are a commonly recognized natural hallucinogen. They are considered to be one of the least dangerous narcotics that can be ingested. Mushrooms containing the chemical psilocybin are considered 'magic' mushrooms. Ingesting these fungi produces intense hallucinations in the user. The effects of mushrooms can last for hours and can have both short- and long-term effects on the mind and body. While some people may view magic mushrooms as a recreational substance, they can have serious negative effects. Scientists are currently testing long-term studies to see if psilocybin can ease depression and other mental illnesses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health Benefits | Mushrooms are a rich source of potassium, which is known for reducing the negative impact of sodium on the body. They also contain ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. They are low in calories, fat, sodium, and cholesterol. |
| Risks | Mushrooms that contain psilocybin can lead to hallucinations, sensory distortion, euphoria, anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness and even be fatal. |
| Legality | Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in most of the U.S. |
| Addiction | Research suggests that psilocybin is not addictive, and there are no known withdrawal effects. |
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What You'll Learn
Hallucinations and mood swings
Psilocybin, the active chemical in hallucinogenic mushrooms, produces hallucinogenic and other mind-altering effects. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours.
Psilocybin works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, which affect mood, cognition, and perception. Hallucinogens also work in other regions of the brain that regulate arousal and panic responses. Psilocybin may cause visual or auditory hallucinations, and it may distort how some people who use the drug perceive objects and people in their environment.
Some people who use psilocybin may experience disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and panic. Users may also develop severe mood swings, hostility, and psychosis. Other adverse physical effects may include loss of coordination, dizziness, and slurred speech.
The biggest risk associated with psilocybin mushrooms is that they look very similar to some types of poisonous mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms can make you severely ill and can even be fatal.
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Potential to ease depression and anxiety
While the use of psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms", is currently illegal in most of the U.S., research shows that they have many benefits for physical and mental health.
Psilocybin has been shown to produce perceptual changes, altering a person's awareness of their surroundings, thoughts, and feelings. It has been used for generations by indigenous cultures in religious or spiritual rituals, and researchers have been examining its possible medical applications since the 1950s and 1960s.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in researching the potential benefits of psilocybin for treating mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. One study found that psilocybin treatment for major depression was effective for up to a year for most patients, with a 75% response and 58% remission rate at 12 months. Another study found that psilocybin produced significant and immediate effects, suggesting that it may be a uniquely useful treatment for depression compared to standard antidepressants, which must be taken for long stretches of time.
However, it is important to note that psilocybin mushrooms can also cause side effects such as headaches, nausea, anxiety, dizziness, and elevated blood pressure. These side effects are generally well-tolerated and fade within 24 to 48 hours. Additionally, there is a risk of having a "bad trip" or other negative outcomes if the mushrooms are consumed without proper monitoring and preparation.
While the findings on the effects of psilocybin on anxiety are promising, more research is needed to fully understand how it changes the brain to relieve anxiety and depression. Researchers are also working to identify who is more likely to respond positively to psilocybin treatment and how to help those who do not respond.
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Negative effects on mental health
Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, has been the subject of a growing body of research over the past 20 years, exploring its potential therapeutic benefits for mental health. However, it is important to acknowledge that psilocybin can also have negative effects on mental health, particularly when used outside of controlled settings.
Psychological distress
Recreational use of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to psychological distress, including extreme anxiety and short-term psychosis. The risk of negative experiences increases with higher doses and may be influenced by pre-existing mental health conditions.
Hallucinations and paranoia
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic, and users may experience disturbing hallucinations. During a "bad trip", users may feel paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self. Impaired judgment during these episodes can lead to risk-taking behaviours, potentially resulting in traumatic injuries or even death.
Dependence and tolerance
While there is little evidence of physical or psychological dependence on magic mushrooms, tolerance to the drug's effects can develop with regular use. This means that even high amounts of psilocybin may no longer produce the desired effects, leading to increased consumption and potential negative consequences.
Uncontrolled settings and lack of professional support
The negative mental health effects of psilocybin mushrooms are often associated with their use outside of controlled settings without the support of mental health professionals. Patients with mental health disorders should not attempt to self-medicate with psilocybin, as taking magic mushrooms without careful safeguards may lead to undesirable outcomes.
Limitations in research
Despite the promising findings, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanism of action of psilocybin and its long-term effects on mental health. The stigma, funding challenges, and regulatory hurdles associated with Schedule I substances have limited the number of studies conducted.
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Long-lasting changes to brain chemistry
Hallucinogenic drugs like magic mushrooms have been shown to alter the chemical composition of the brain's cells. These drugs can leave long-lasting chemical changes in their wake, and in some cases, these alterations can be damaging and dangerous. For instance, an intensive study in England found that mushrooms dampen activity in the part of the brain responsible for processing sensory information.
Mushrooms can be so persistent that they can change a user's ability to recall details in memories. Portions of the brain fire at a different rate when mushrooms are introduced, which might result in the user remembering things that didn't happen or embellishing the few details they can remember. These changes come about due to alterations in the chemical serotonin, which is a key chemical used in the brain's cells. Serotonin also helps regulate vital body functions, including the speed at which the heart beats. Research suggests that tinkering with serotonin on a regular basis could change the way the brain works in the long term.
Some mushroom-induced changes are a result of the intense experiences people endure while under the influence. For example, a study discussed in LiveScience suggests that a single dose of magic mushrooms can change a user's personality for a year or longer. Furthermore, some people who abuse mushrooms experience flashbacks, where they are plunged into terrifying memories that occurred when they were under the influence. These upsetting memories may persist for minutes, hours, or even days.
Psychedelics like psilocybin have been shown to produce overlapping genetic changes in many different regions of the brain, and these changes can last for months after a single dose. Immediate early genes (IEGs) are the most well-studied gene expression changes, with transcription changes observed within minutes of 5-HT2A stimulation. Additionally, a 2021 RNA-seq study by Charles Nichols found that LSD-induced rewiring of gene co-expression networks in rats. Analysis of RNA-seq data showed that genes related to neuroplasticity and transmission were upregulated, and that prolonged LSD exposure has a long-term effect on epigenetic machinery.
While the exact mechanism is still unclear, psilocybin has been studied as a potential treatment for depression. A recent Yale study found that a single dose of psilocybin given to mice prompted a long-lasting increase in the connections between neurons. These connections were not only 10% greater in number but also 10% stronger on average.
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Risk of addiction
While magic mushrooms are not considered to be as addictive as other drugs, they carry effects that have been known to be harmful to susceptible individuals. There is a low risk of addiction, but psychological dependence can develop. This is due to the drug's impact on mood and cognition, as well as the setting and people involved when taking the drug, which can lead to frequent use.
Magic mushrooms, also called shrooms, are a form of fungi containing the psychoactive compound psilocybin. Psilocybin is a hallucinogen that can be found in several species of fungi. This naturally occurring substance causes changes in perception, thought, and mood. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically begin within an hour of ingestion and can last as long as six hours. They can result in euphoric and cognitive effects, including vivid hallucinations, acute perceptions of the environment, alterations in one's sense of time, depersonalization, derealization, slowed and disorganized thinking, and mood swings.
Repeated use of magic mushrooms can create a tolerance, meaning the user needs increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effects. This pattern of use can quickly spiral into addiction, impacting mental health, relationships, work, and overall quality of life. There are also risks of flashbacks or persisting perception disorders, where individuals feel the effects of psilocybin mushrooms long after the drug was last used. These flashbacks can be intense, unpleasant, and frequent, lasting long after a person has stopped using the substance.
There is currently no medication to treat addiction to magic mushrooms or other hallucinogens. However, therapeutic support and inpatient rehab can help address misuse and addiction.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a commonly recognized natural hallucinogen. They are considered one of the least dangerous narcotics that can be ingested. They contain the chemical psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin by the body. Psilocin is the agent primarily responsible for the hallucinogenic effects.
Mushroom highs, or "trips", can last for hours and are known to cause intense hallucinations. Users may experience a dreamy, detached feeling, and time perception is often distorted. Some report feelings of unity, joy, and transcendence of the ego. After the peak, users may experience an "afterglow" or residual effects, which can include an improved mood, clarity of thought, and a sense of well-being.
Yes, there are serious risks associated with taking mushrooms. The active ingredient, psilocybin, can lead to intense mood swings, potentially causing panic attacks or even dangerous behavior. Regular use can lead to tolerance and dependence, increasing the risk of addiction. Mushroom trips can also be unpleasant, with users experiencing despair, anxiety, and panic. Additionally, there are physical risks, such as an increased heart rate and overheating.
