Exploring myths and realities of psilocybin mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms, also called shrooms or magic mushrooms, are naturally psychoactive. People who ingest these experience the feeling of being high and may experience altered thoughts and perceptions as well as hallucinations. It’s important to understand that just because a substance is natural doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous.
What are psilocybin mushrooms?
Certain varieties of psilocybe mushrooms contain a substance called psilocybin. When metabolized in the body, the drug psilocyn is produced, which has hallucinogenic properties. These mushrooms are psychedelic drugs, meaning they alter perceptions and thoughts, affect all the senses, and may cause hallucinations. People ingest them in a variety of ways: eating them fresh, cooked, or brewed as a tea. Less often, they’re dried and smoked alone or mixed with tobacco or marijuana.
Is it possible to overdose on magic mushrooms?
Using magic mushrooms doesn’t often have life-threatening symptoms like those associated with overdose of other common drugs. But, those who consume a large amount may experience very uncomfortable symptoms requiring medical attention, such as:
- Severe panic
- Vomiting
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Paranoia
- Muscle weakness
- Diarrhea
- Severe agitation
- Unpleasant or intense hallucinations
- Intense fear
- Coma (rare, but possible)
Are psychedelic mushrooms dangerous?
Psychedelic mushrooms, though commonly considered safe, come with significant risks, often worsened by using other drugs along with the mushrooms. The biggest risk with taking magic mushrooms is that they look similar to other types of mushrooms that are extremely poisonous. Taking the wrong species can lead to severe symptoms and often death.
A second risk involves inadvertently taking a drug you believe to be psilocybin, but is not. Sometimes benign store-bought mushrooms are sold as psilocybin, but instead are typical grocery mushrooms laced with LSD, PCP, or other dangerous drugs.
Sometimes, those who use shrooms often, experience persistent hallucinations, even when not taking the drug. These hallucinations may appear as light trails on moving objects, highly intensified colors, light halos, and other disturbances, which can last for several weeks and even years.
Combining mushrooms with other drugs can be dangerous as well. Taking them with ecstasy or methamphetamine may cause panic attacks or increase the risk of experiencing a bad trip. Taking them with prescribed psychiatric medications may worsen the existing mental health condition.
Are magic mushrooms addictive?
Magic mushrooms are not considered physically or psychologically addictive, but unfortunately people often use them in conjunction with addictive drugs. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, Edge Treatment can help. Our outpatient treatment programs are adjusted to address the individual needs and circumstances of each individual.
Take the First Step to Recovery with Edge Treatment
Step away from the edge and call us today!
