If you or a loved one is struggling with psilocybin addiction, know that you are not alone. Our team of medical, clinical, and wellness experts are here to help you break free from addiction and achieve the happy, healthy life you deserve.
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring compound in certain mushroom species, has captivated human interest for centuries. Originating from the Greek words “psilos” meaning bare, and “kybē” meaning head, psilocybin has a long-standing history of use in traditional ceremonies and rituals across various cultures. In recent years, this psychoactive substance has garnered increasing attention for its potential therapeutic applications, sparking scientific research and public discourse.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic hallucinogen chemical obtained from certain types of mushrooms. Thus, it is often simply referred to as “mushrooms.” The drug has dangerous mind-altering effects and no accepted medical use. Similar to the effects of LSD, mushrooms containing psilocybin result in sensory distortion and feelings of euphoria. Psilocybin is a recreational drug, and its use is most popular at raves, nightclubs, and on college campuses.
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms, often referred to as “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms,” have been used for centuries in various spiritual and religious practices. These fungi, native to regions like Mexico, Central America, and the United States, have been revered for their mind-altering effects and perceived connections to the divine. Indigenous cultures, such as the Aztecs and Mazatec people, have long incorporated psilocybin mushrooms into traditional rituals and ceremonies to induce altered states of consciousness and facilitate spiritual experiences.
Popular names include:
There are also street names for psilocybin when combined with other drugs ecstasy/ MDMA, including:
Psilocybin mushrooms are long and slender, with dark gills underneath their caps. They can be found both fresh and dry: fresh mushrooms usually have white stems and caps that are dark brown around the edges and white or light brown in the center, while dried ones are usually a rusty brown color.
Psilocybin, the primary psychoactive compound found in these mushrooms, interacts with the human brain’s serotonergic system, specifically the 5-HT2A receptors. This interaction triggers a cascade of neurochemical changes, leading to the characteristic perceptual, cognitive, and emotional effects associated with psilocybin use. The intensity and duration of these effects can vary depending on factors such as the dose, individual physiology, and the user’s mindset and environment. The molecular formula of psilocybin is C12H17N2O4P
Psilocybin, like other hallucinogens, can provide a temporary form of escape from everyday life. Individuals may use the drug with friends as a form of social bonding, or to experience a “happy trip.” However, its hallucinogenic properties can also cause users to harm themselves and others. The drug’s short-term effects on the mind and body include:
The hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin generally begin after 30 minutes of ingesting the drug and last for up to 6 hours. However, this can vary depending on the individual and the amount consumed. Occasionally, there are individuals who even experience changes in sensory perception for several days after consuming the mushrooms.
Psilocybin can cause both psychological and physical side effects, including nausea, reduced coordination, and muscle weakness. Because the drug blurs the boundaries of reality, panic attacks and psychosis can also ensue. However, these effects are more likely to occur if individuals consume higher doses of the drug. Additionally, users can become poisoned if they mistake a hazardous variety of mushrooms for psilocybin mushrooms.
While repeated psilocybin misuse does not lead to physical addiction, it can cause mental health issues to develop, including:
Individuals who use mushrooms regularly may also experience flashbacks. These flashbacks are usually visual distortions involving past mushroom trips. Regular use of the drug will build up a user’s tolerance to the drug. As a result, the user will need larger and larger doses to experience the desired effects.
Despite the growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, the substance remains classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act in most countries, including the United States. This designation implies a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, making the possession, cultivation, and distribution of psilocybin-containing mushrooms illegal in most jurisdictions. However, some areas, such as Oregon, have taken steps to decriminalize or legalize the use of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes, signaling a potential shift in the legal landscape surrounding this compound.
Repeated abuse of mushrooms can alter the chemicals in users’ brains, leading to psychological dependence on the drug. The symptoms associated with addiction include:
Psychological Symptoms
Physical Signs
Despite the relatively low addictive potential of psilocybin compared to other substances, the development of psychological dependence and problematic patterns of use is possible. Individuals who use psilocybin regularly may experience tolerance, leading to the need for higher doses to achieve the desired effects. While physical withdrawal symptoms are not commonly reported, the psychological effects of discontinuing psilocybin use, such as cravings, anxiety, and mood disturbances, can be challenging to manage.
Although an individual would need to consume an extremely high amount to experience a physical overdose, consuming psilocybin can lead to serious psychological symptoms. This is often referred to as a “bad trip”. When consumed in large amounts, users may experience a longer and more intense “trip.” These bad trips are more likely to occur if the individual suffers from a mental disorder or mixes mushrooms with other substances.
Due to the dangerous psychological effects that psilocybin can cause, individuals who experience an overdose require immediate medical attention.
For individuals struggling with psilocybin misuse or addiction, effective treatment options are available. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals identify and modify the thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their substance use. Supportive counseling and group therapy can also provide a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to address the underlying issues driving their psilocybin use. In some cases, medical detoxification may be necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure a safe and comfortable recovery process. Outpatient treatment and support groups may also be recommended.
The use of psilocybin, whether for recreational or potential therapeutic purposes, can have a lasting impact on an individual’s life. While some users report positive, transformative experiences, the risks associated with psilocybin use, including the potential for adverse psychological effects and legal consequences, cannot be ignored. As the scientific understanding and regulatory landscape surrounding psilocybin continues to evolve, individuals must approach this substance with caution and seek professional guidance when considering its use.
Psilocybin is a complex, multifaceted compound that has captivated human interest for centuries. While its therapeutic potential is being actively explored, the risks and legal implications associated with its use must be carefully considered. As the scientific and societal understanding of psilocybin develops, people must stay informed, seek professional support, and make responsible decisions about using this powerful and potentially transformative substance.
If you or a loved one is struggling with psilocybin addiction, know that you are not alone. Our team of medical, clinical, and wellness experts are here to help you break free from addiction and achieve the happy, healthy life you deserve.