Risks and Side-Effects of Magic Mushrooms
Risks and Side-Effects of Magic Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms contain a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogen. Read on to learn more about potential side effects and risks.
What Are Magic Mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms contain the naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound psilocybin. The active metabolite in psilocybin is psilocin.1
There are a variety of side effects from magic mushrooms. Some say they feel relaxed and in tune with their surroundings, while others report feeling more energized and connected to the natural world. Some people even claim to have mystical or spiritual experiences while under the influence of magic mushrooms.
Do Magic Mushrooms Interact With Medications?
While there is limited research on the potential interactions between magic mushrooms and medications, it is recommended that people avoid taking magic mushrooms if they are also taking any prescription medications. Since magic mushrooms can cause changes in perception and mood, this can potentially affect some medications’ effects.
Psilocybin activates serotonin 2A receptors in the central nervous system, mimicking the effects of serotonin. A recent meta-analysis described the interactions between psilocybin and medications from several psychiatric drug classes. 2
Are Magic Mushrooms Addictive?
Magic mushrooms are not considered addictive. However, it is possible to develop a dependence on them. Some people may experience temporary psychological effects, such as paranoia or anxiety, after using magic mushrooms.
Signs of Magic Mushroom Use
There are many potential signs that someone could be using magic mushrooms. These will be detailed below.
Isolating From Friends and Family
Magic mushrooms are considered to be safe by most people, and many people experiment with them. However, it is believed that unpredictable, dangerous behavior may occur under the influence of these psychedelic substances. People may also start isolating themselves to use more of the mushrooms.
3
Combining Mushrooms With LSD or Ecstasy
Many users report that taking psilocybin while using LSD can diminish the effects of both drugs. For this reason, it is generally not recommended to combine psilocybin and LSD. When mixing psilocybin and MDMA, it is vital to be aware of the possible side effects. Psilocybin can cause hallucinations, while MDMA can make users feel energetic and euphoric. When these substances are combined, they can intensify these effects
Developing a Tolerance and Needing to Take Larger Doses
Some people find that they need to eat more mushrooms to experience the same impact after taking mushrooms for a while. Also, some may need to eat mushrooms more often to maintain the same effects.
Shifts In Mood
Psychedelic mushrooms can cause drastic mood changes. In some cases, users have experienced extreme happiness and joy. In other cases, users have experienced deep depression, fear, and paranoia.
Difficulty Differentiating Between Fantasy and Reality
Magic mushrooms are a popular drug with psychotropic effects. Psilocybin can cause hallucinations and distorted perceptions of reality which may lead to dangerous situations for those who misuse it or without supervision from an experienced provider.
Risks and Side Effects of Magic Mushrooms
Risks and side effects of magic mushrooms can impact everyone differently, but it’s important to know what could happen. Here are a few common risks to look out for:
Physical Effects
When it comes to the physical effects of magic mushrooms, there are both positive and negative potential outcomes. On the positive side, some people report feeling more energetic and “alive” after consuming magic mushrooms. They may also feel a sense of euphoria. Others have reported experiencing increased creativity while under the influence of magic mushrooms.
On the negative side, some people have reported feeling nauseous, dizzy, or have experienced vomiting and diarrhea. There is also a risk of accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms, leading to severe illness. People with pre-existing mental health conditions may also be more susceptible to experiencing adverse side effects from magic mushrooms.
Physical Impacts of Magic Mushroom Consumption
Here are some more common physical side effects of consuming magic mushrooms: 4
- Dilated pupils
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature
- Lack of coordination
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Yawning
Mental Effects
The mental effects of magic mushrooms can be very strong due to psilocybin. Many people report experiencing powerful hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and profound spiritual insights after consuming magic mushrooms.
Mental Impacts of Magic Mushroom Consumption
Here are some common mental effects of consuming magic mushrooms:
- Distorted sense of time, place, and reality
- Euphoria
- Hallucinations (visual or auditory)
- Having introspective (spiritual) experiences
- Nervousness
- Panic reactions
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
Magic Mushrooms Detox and Withdrawal
It is important to note that there are no physical withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping the use of magic mushrooms. However, some people may experience psychological distress when they discontinue drug use. This can manifest as anxiety, depression, or other mood changes.
It is essential to be aware of these potential risks and seek professional help if necessary. Tapering off magic mushrooms can help to minimize these risks. However, some other side effects of detoxing from magic mushrooms include:
Psychotic Breaks From Reality
Many people who use magic mushrooms report having very powerful experiences that can sometimes result in a “psychotic break” from reality. Some symptoms of a psychotic break include hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. While these experiences can be extremely frightening, they are usually not harmful and will eventually subside. For some people, however, the effects of a magic mushroom trip can be so overwhelming that they may need to be hospitalized.
Memory Loss
In many cultures, mushrooms have been used for their psychoactive effects. The experience of taking magic mushrooms can be pleasant and even euphoric, there is some evidence to suggest that it can also lead to memory problems in certain individuals, most of which are short-term.
Flashbacks
Some people who have taken psilocybin report experiencing flashbacks or recurring hallucinations long after the drug has worn off. It is unclear why some people are more susceptible to this effect than others. Some researchers believe that it may be related to a history of mental illness, while others suggest that it may be due to how the drug interacts with the brain. Flashbacks can be a distressing experience and may be more likely to occur in people who have taken high doses of the drug.
Rage
Rage can be caused by many things, including frustration, anxiety, and fear. Some people experience rage when they feel like they are not in control of their lives or threatened. Since magic mushrooms can cause feelings of confusion and hallucinations, both of which can be frightening, some may respond to that with anger or rage.
Difficulty Speaking
While there are many different reasons someone may have trouble speaking, psilocybin use can be one potential cause. While the effects of psilocybin are typically temporary, they can be quite distressing if you’re not expecting them. If you or someone you know is having difficulty speaking after taking psilocybin, it’s important to seek medical help immediately. In most cases, the effects of psilocybin will wear off within a few hours, but in some rare instances, they can last for days or weeks.
Irritability
Alongside rage, magic mushrooms may also cause irritability in some individuals. However, this generally only happens when people take large doses of mushrooms. Otherwise, it tends to elicit calming effects for many people.
Confusion
While psilocybin seems to have some potential benefits, it can also cause confusion and disorientation. In high doses, it can cause hallucinations and psychotic-like symptoms. Psilocybin should be used with caution and only under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.
How Long Do Magic Mushrooms Stay in Your System?
The effects of psilocybin typically last between 4-6 hours. The half-life of psilocybin is about 3 hours, meaning it takes about 6 hours for the body to eliminate half of the drug. The drug can stay in your system for up to 12 hours. Psilocybin is metabolized into psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic effects. Psilocin has a half-life of 2 hours. 5
Treatment for Magic Mushroom Addiction
If you or a loved one are dependent on magic mushrooms, there are many ways to get help. Some of these include:
Inpatient Drug Rehab
Inpatient rehabilitation for magic mushroom dependence is available. This can include medications to help with certain side effects, along with therapy and other guided practices.
Outpatient Drug Rehab
Outpatient rehabilitation for magic mushroom addiction typically includes therapy, counseling, and support groups. It may also involve medication-assisted treatment, which uses medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Outpatient rehab can be an effective treatment option for those motivated to recover from their addiction and with a support system in place.
Sober Living Programs
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, these programs typically involve a combination of individual and group therapy, 12-step support groups, and other holistic healing modalities. This allows many people the freedom to attend groups when they need to while still receiving support.
Aftercare Programs
Aftercare programs can help individuals maintain sobriety, develop healthy coping skills, and build a support network. Aftercare programs for magic mushroom addiction typically involve ongoing support and guidance from trained professionals. These programs can help individuals maintain sobriety, develop healthy coping skills, and build a support network.
Get Treatment for Magic Mushroom Addiction at San Diego Detox
If you or someone you know is struggling with magic mushroom addiction or dependence, seeking professional help at a rehab clinic can be a vital step toward recovery. San Diego Detox is here to help. With our knowledgeable and supportive staff, we can help you or your loved ones through every step of the detox and recovery journey so you can live a happy and healthy life.
Obtain Sobriety at San Diego Detox
We offer inpatient treatment options for our patients who need it, along with 12-step programs, medication-assisted treatment, music and art therapy, and a family systems approach to therapy. We will work with you to curate a treatment plan specific to your needs and recovery to make sure that you will be able to stay sober and get all the assistance you may need throughout the process.
Contact San Diego Detox today if you think you or your loved one are ready to begin treatment.
Resources
- 1 https://drugpolicy.org/sites/default/files/Psilocybin_Mushrooms_Fact_Sheet.pdf
- 2 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-022-06083-y
- 3 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1556-4029.13982
- 4 https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Psilocybin-2020_0.pdf
- 5 https://www.verywellmind.com/how-long-does-psilocybin-stay-in-your-system-80319
