Drugs come in numerous forms, shapes, and colors. They affect different parts of the psyche and physical state of the victim. Their levels of addictiveness, potency, and withdrawal symptoms could greatly vary. Some addictions go hand in hand with other disorders, while others perpetuate further harmful behaviors or substance use disorders. What holds true across the board, though, is that drugs should be avoided, as they ruin the lives of millions of families.

Based on their effects on the user, substances could fall into one or more categories. In the US, the federal government has divided drugs into five distinct classes, ranging from Schedule 1 to Schedule 5. Narcotics belonging to the first group are deemed of no medical value, while the rest differ in potency and level of addictiveness (in descending order). Some of the representatives of the Schedule 1 drugs include marijuana, ecstasy, heroin, LSD, and psilocybin mushrooms.

Though magic mushrooms are often considered to be an innocent substance, they are still highly addictive and pose numerous dangers to the user’s life. If you would like to learn more about the risks, repercussions, and treatment for this drug, you have come to the right place.

Psilocybin Mushrooms: Defined

The main active chemical in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, is what gives them their hallucinogenic properties. They are a popular party drug, which is sought after for its psychedelic effects. Often, the user goes through a mind-altering ‘trip’ that could temporarily or permanently affect his perception of reality.

Initially, magic mushrooms were spread among indigenous communities seeking to re-connect with nature, spirits, and the super consciousness. Hippies further popularized the substance during the 1960s while experimenting with various other substances, too. Magic mushrooms are now consumed both in solitude and in large gatherings, like festivals.

How Are Magic Mushrooms Consumed?

Some of the most typical ways to consume magic mushrooms are through ingestion. They could be either eaten fresh or dried. People often incorporate them into various pastries or brew them in tea. Though not so common, it is possible to also snort, inject, or put the mushrooms into capsules.

The onset of psilocybin mushrooms could take anywhere between 20 minutes to two hours, depending on the person’s metabolism, the number of mushrooms, and their potency. The ‘high’ usually lasts between three to six hours. Some of the typical effects include euphoria, anxiety, chills, and overall restlessness. In some extremities, these could last as long as three days.

Side Effects of Psilocybin Mushrooms

Compared to other substances, like alcohol and opioids, magic mushrooms do not pose any lethal dangers to the user. However, the risk of mushroom poisoning is imminent. Some of the typical side effects of the drug include:

• Nausea & extreme perspiration
• Unpredictable auditory and visual hallucinations
• Paranoia and psychosis
• Dry mouth
• Synesthesia (mixing up senses)
• Elevated perception of reality
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate

Some occasions of prolonged or quite potent psilocybin mushroom use have been reported where one’s personality is altered in the long run. Cases of extreme hallucinations are also known, in which the person experienced physical pain or harmed others.

Are Psilocybin Mushrooms Addictive?

Though the ongoing debate on the matter has produced no conclusive answers, in general, psilocybin mushrooms have addictive properties. The more exposure & use of the substance the person sustains, the higher the chances that a dependency may form. With repeated consumption, tolerance also builds up.

When higher dosages stop producing the same ‘high’, a combination of drugs may be explored. This is extremely dangerous and often leads to addiction.

Psilocybin Mushrooms Withdrawal Symptoms

Most of the withdrawal symptoms associated with prolonged use or extremely potent magic mushroom trips are due to the altered state of being of the victim. This could result in dissatisfaction with regular/mundane activities. When someone has reached this stage of dependency, they may also exhibit other common withdrawal symptoms, like:

• Memory loss
• Weariness and irritability
• Unprovoked flashbacks from previous trips
• Disorientation
• Inability to distinguish what is real and what, imaginary

Psilocybin Mushroom Treatment

Depending on the severity of one’s addiction to psilocybin mushrooms, different treatment options may be available. Due to the nature of the substance, intervention and medical therapy may be required if the user cannot halt consumption.

If you or a beloved one is suffering from a psilocybin mushroom-related disorder, getting timely help is of the essence. If you are not sure of where to begin, a simple Google search can be beneficial, e.g. “Psilocybin Mushroom Detox Center Near Me.” Explore the available options and choose the right therapy for you, as this could make or break your recovery.