Psilocybin “Magic” Mushrooms Addiction and Treatment
What is psilocybin?
Psilocybin is the active chemical ingredient present in certain mushroom varieties that can cause hallucinogenic effects if ingested. Many psilocybin mushrooms are native to Central and North America. Historically, they were used by indigenous populations as part of cultural and religious ceremonies. But over time, they have become a popular drug of abuse. The 60’s saw such a rise in the use of mushrooms that they were made illegal. Even today, “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms” are a drug of choice for many people.
Unlike LSD which is synthesized in a lab, psilocybin is an organic substance. It is derived from fresh or dried mushrooms, which typically contain anywhere from 0.2 to 0.4% psilocybin. These mushrooms can be eaten or brewed into tea. Its intended effects are long-lasting mild hallucinations and changes in perceptions, but intense negative side effects are also possible, known as a “bad trip.” Because the effects last for several hours, users having a bad trip might feel like they are trapped and will never return to normal perception, increasing feelings of panic.
What does psilocybin do in the brain?
Psilocybin is converted into another psychoactive compound, psilocin, when it is ingested. Psilocin then has a long-acting effect on serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter that is partially responsible for the perception of light and sound, mood regulation, learning, memory, and thought development. By activating serotonin receptors, psilocin alters important patterns of brain activity and how different areas of the brain communicate with each other.Effects of psilocybin mushrooms
Individuals use mushrooms for the “trip” that they can experience while using the drug. When ingested, a hallucinogenic high begins in as little as 20-30 minutes and can last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. Many factors can alter the effects of the drug including the amount of mushrooms ingested, the setting, and the individual’s mental state. The acute effects of psilocybin use include:
- Increased positive mood
- Decreased nervous system response to negative emotional stimuli
- Distorted or heightened sensory perceptions
- Hallucinations of sight and sound
- Distorted perception of time
- Strange bodily sensations such as out of body experiences
- Inability to distinguish what is real and what is a hallucination
- Synesthesia (the sensation of perceiving one sense with another, like hearing colors)
- Feeling unified or spiritually connected to the universe or nature
Side effects of psilocybin mushrooms
Since psilocybin has such severe effects on the nervous system, there are many potential adverse effects of mushroom use. These include:
- Feelings of paranoia, severe distress, or panic
- Dilated pupils
- Tension or restlessness
- Inability to concentrate
- Difficulty focusing or thinking clearly
- Dizziness
- Loss of coordination
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle twitching
- Increased blood pressure
- Fever
- Increased heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Headache or migraine
Psilocybin use also has indirect risks such as the possibility of ingesting poisonous mushrooms by ingesting mushrooms believed to be hallucinogenic. Another indirect effect of magic mushroom use is that due to dramatic changes in perception, users may put themselves in unsafe situations that could lead to injury or death. For example, thinking you can walk on water, or walking off a roof because the ground appears much closer.
Long-term use can also lead to a condition called Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPDD), which is characterized by intense flashbacks of hallucinations that can occur at any time and suddenly impair functioning.
Is it possible to become addicted to mushrooms?
Up to 7 million Americans use hallucinogens per year, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Though psilocybin is not considered a drug that can lead to physical dependence, substance abuse and addiction is still possible due to recurring use creating psychological dependence. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), diagnosis for substance use disorders requires the presence of problematic patterns of behavior surrounding hallucinogen use. These criteria include:
- Increased time and energy spent obtaining, using, or recovering from hallucinogen use
- Continued hallucinogen use despite detrimental effects on one’s professional or personal life
- Continued hallucinogen use despite negative physical effects
- Using hallucinogens in risky situations, like while driving
- Failed attempts to quit using hallucinogens
- Developing tolerance, whereby the same doses no longer have the same effect, leading to the use of greater doses
- Attempts to self-medicate with hallucinogens to treat mental health issues like anxiety or trauma
- Withdrawal symptoms if hallucinogen use is discontinued
Psilocybin mushroom overdose
Psilocybin is not a likely drug of overdose. A dose would have to be 1,000 times the normal potency to be lethal. However, the severe psychological effects the drug has can lead to extreme psychological distress that may make individuals feel like they’re dying. Intense fear or anxiety caused by high mushroom doses can lead to self-harm behavior, violence, or erratic behavior that can result in accidental injury or death. If you happen to be using other substances while under the influence of magic mushrooms, the altered perception may obscure possible symptoms of overdose. The effects of both substances may also be compounded, known as a synergistic effect, which is more powerful than the effect of either drug individually.Psilocybin mushroom addiction treatment
Psilocybin abuse and addiction can be difficult to treat. That’s because it can sometimes trigger or worsen existing mental health conditions including schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and mania. Thus, treatment requires addressing the problematic substance use in conjunction with existing mental health issues.
Hallucinogen abuse treatment begins with detox, which allows the individual to fully eliminate psilocybin and other hallucinogens or drugs of abuse from the body. This process typically takes place at an in-person treatment facility where they can be monitored to ensure that the process is comfortable and safe.
Following detox, individuals in addiction treatment dedicate their time to addressing underlying psychological issues that have led to problematic hallucinogen use. During this treatment, individuals work with a therapist on one-on-one treatment as well as with peer groups, which can help create healthy and supportive connections. The goal of psychological treatment is to assess the negative impact that mushrooms have on one’s life and learn coping and relapse-prevention strategies to be able to maintain their recovery long-term.
Mushroom Addiction FAQs
Psilocybin mushroom abuse and addiction treatment at Riverwalk Ranch
A Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area Addiction Treatment CenterAt Riverwalk Ranch, we offer psilocybin mushroom abuse and addiction treatment as part of our comprehensive addiction rehabilitation programs. Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, our experienced addiction professionals can provide personalized treatment and 24-hour medical care during detox. To help your journey toward recovery, our facilities offer a comfortable and safe environment to recover that is both comfortable and private.
If you or a loved one is suffering from psilocybin addiction, don’t hesitate to contact our addiction treatment center today at (877) 863-3869. Whether you are from Texas or you are looking for a fresh start in a new setting, Riverwalk Ranch can provide a therapeutic and supportive home for you to overcome your psilocybin abuse. We believe everyone deserves a life free from substance abuse, and we are committed to your well-being and care to that end.
