John Miller
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows on the ground in clusters. While some mushrooms are edible, others are toxic and can cause poisoning. Mushroom poisoning is usually the result of misidentifying a toxic mushroom as an edible species. Poisonous mushrooms contain various toxins, including amatoxins, coprine, and ibotenic acid, which can lead to symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, organ failure, and even death. In addition, certain mushrooms contain hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms, which can induce hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks. These mushrooms are often used recreationally and are illegal in many places. To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is essential to familiarize yourself with both edible and toxic mushroom species and always seek medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and panic
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are mostly illegal in the US and contain the hallucinogen psilocybin. They are often consumed as a recreational drug and can induce euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. However, they can also cause anxiety, paranoia, panic, and short-term psychosis. The effects of psilocybin vary from person to person and are influenced by factors such as mental health, setting, quantity, and expectations.
Psilocybin works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain that affect mood, cognition, and perception. The drug can also affect regions of the brain that regulate arousal and panic responses. Disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic attacks may occur after taking psilocybin. The quantity of the drug consumed, past experiences, and expectations of the experience can all impact a person's reaction to it.
While psilocybin is not considered addictive, regular users may experience tolerance, requiring larger doses to achieve the desired effects. Discontinuing use for about a week can reset tolerance levels. Additionally, some users may experience flashbacks, where they relive a part of their drug trip even when they are no longer high. These flashbacks can be disturbing, especially if they involve frightening hallucinations or experiences.
One of the main risks associated with magic mushrooms is their resemblance to certain types of poisonous mushrooms. Accidental consumption of poisonous mushrooms can lead to mushroom poisoning, resulting in symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, organ failure, and even death. It is crucial to properly identify mushrooms before consumption and seek immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
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Poisonous mushrooms can cause death
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is important to familiarise yourself with the mushrooms you intend to collect, as well as with any similar-looking toxic species. It is recommended that you only eat mushrooms bought from a reputable source, such as a supermarket or greengrocer, unless you are an expert. This is because there is no 'home test' to tell the difference between edible and poisonous mushrooms.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning vary from slight gastrointestinal discomfort to organ failure resulting in death. Amatoxins, for example, are found in some mushrooms in the genus Amanita, as well as in some species of Galerina and Lepiota, and can cause severe liver damage. Other poisonous mushrooms include Clitocybe dealbata, which is sometimes mistaken for an oyster mushroom, and Gyromitra spp., or "false morels", which are deadly poisonous if eaten raw.
Some mushrooms, known as "magic mushrooms", contain the hallucinogenic drug psilocybin. Although these mushrooms are mostly illegal in the US, they are being studied for their potential use as a treatment for some mental and behavioural health conditions. While not considered addictive, the use of magic mushrooms can lead to bad experiences, including feelings of anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and short-term psychosis. In very rare cases, taking a huge amount of magic mushrooms can cause death.
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Mushroom toxins are secondary metabolites produced by the fungus
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that can be toxic or non-toxic. Mushroom poisoning occurs when toxic mushrooms are ingested. The severity of mushroom poisoning varies, ranging from slight gastrointestinal discomfort to death. The symptoms of mushroom poisoning depend on the type of toxin present in the mushroom. Amatoxins, for example, can cause liver damage, while phallotoxins primarily cause gastrointestinal issues. Other toxins, such as coprine, can cause disulfiram-like reactions when combined with alcohol.
Some fungi have little history of secondary metabolite production, such as chytrids, yeasts, and truffles. These fungi either diverged before the evolution of secondary metabolism or lost their ability due to stable environments provided by obligate parasitism. In contrast, other fungi, such as lichenized fungi and mycorrhizal mushrooms, have retained a rich secondary metabolism that is closely related to that of their metabolite-rich phylogenetic relatives.
The synthesis of certain secondary metabolites in fungi, such as dipicolinic acid, is believed to be similar to that of bacteria. Additionally, some secondary metabolites produced by fungi, such as l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA), can function as virulence factors and cause invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. While some secondary metabolites are pathogenic, others have therapeutic potential. For example, certain strains of Lactobacillus can bind dietary mycotoxins, which may be useful in managing mycotoxicoses.
The distinction between a mycotoxin (a fungal toxin) and a mushroom poison is based on the size of the producing fungus and human intention. Mycotoxins are typically associated with molds (microfungi), while mushroom poisons are produced by larger, macroscopic fungi. However, this distinction is somewhat arbitrary, and the term "mycotoxin" is also used for toxins produced by plants.
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Some mushrooms are safe to eat when cooked
The safety of consuming wild mushrooms may also depend on how they are prepared for cooking. Certain toxins found in mushrooms, such as amatoxins, are thermostable, meaning they remain toxic even after cooking. Amatoxins can lead to severe liver damage and even organ failure. Other toxic mushrooms include the death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), which is potentially fatal if ingested, and Clitocybe dealbata, which is sometimes mistaken for edible species.
It is recommended to only consume mushrooms purchased from reputable sources such as supermarkets or greengrocers. If you suspect mushroom poisoning, immediate medical attention is crucial. Contact poison control centers or emergency services for advice and assistance.
Mushrooms that contain psilocybin, often referred to as "magic mushrooms," are known for their hallucinogenic effects. While these mushrooms are mostly illegal in the United States, some cities have decriminalized their possession for personal use. However, it is important to note that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can be unpredictable, ranging from euphoria to anxiety, paranoia, and disturbing hallucinations. Additionally, regular use can lead to tolerance, and there is a risk of accidental poisoning from misidentifying poisonous mushrooms.
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Tolerance develops rapidly with continued use of magic mushrooms
Mushrooms can be toxic and harmful to humans. Poisoning can occur from misidentifying and ingesting toxic mushrooms, which can result in symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal discomfort to organ failure and death. However, the discussion of mushroom toxicity often revolves around "magic mushrooms," which contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin.
Magic mushrooms are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic and psychedelic effects. Psilocybin works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in the brain, altering mood, cognition, and perception. While it is not considered addictive, regular use of magic mushrooms can lead to the development of tolerance.
Tolerance to magic mushrooms develops rapidly with continued use. This phenomenon is known as tachyphylaxis, where the brain's receptors undergo rapid and profound tolerance after a single or very few exposures. In the case of psilocybin, the body converts it to psilocin, a serotonergic compound that acts on serotonin receptors. Repeated exposure to psilocin leads to a decrease in the compound's effects, requiring higher doses to achieve the same impact.
The development of tolerance means that users may need to increase the dosage of magic mushrooms to achieve the desired effects. However, it is important to exercise caution as higher doses can lead to disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and even flashbacks. Additionally, the effects of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable, and a ""bad trip" can occur, leading to terrifying thoughts and intense paranoia.
While tolerance to magic mushrooms can develop rapidly, it is important to note that the tolerance does not last long. After a period of abstinence, sensitivity to the effects of psilocybin may return, and lower doses may again induce hallucinogenic experiences.
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