Are mushrooms addictive? While not addictive like other substances, mushrooms carry effects that have been known to be harmful in susceptible individuals. Despite an overall low addiction potential, psychedelic mushrooms can cause psychological dependence.
After repeated use, a person can develop strong associations with using mushrooms in specific settings or with certain people, leading to frequent use. Fortunately, misuse of mushrooms can be addressed with therapeutic support. Learning more about the signs and symptoms of psychedelic mushroom abuse can help you understand when and how to get help for psychedelic mushroom addiction.
What Are Psychedelic Mushrooms?
Psychedelic mushrooms, also called “magic” mushrooms, are a fungi containing psychoactive compounds known for their sensory and mood-enhancing effects. These hallucinogenic compounds include psilocybin and psilocin, which can cause altered perception, or hallucinations, when ingested.
Commonly used street names for mushrooms:
- Magic mushrooms
- Shrooms
- Mushies
- Alice
- Caps
- Buttons
Psychedelic mushrooms have been used for centuries in various cultures for spiritual, religious, or recreational purposes. They can induce sensory experiences and profound changes in consciousness and perception of time.
Effects of Mushrooms
The effects of psychedelic mushrooms can vary widely depending on the individual, the dosage, the environment, and the specific species of mushroom. Common effects are both psychological and physical in nature and often cause people to return to using shrooms. Seeking a “good trip” appeals to people who use psilocybin regularly.
Possible mushroom effects may include:
- Changes in perception of time, colors, and sounds.
- Objects may appear distorted, and you may experience vivid visual or auditory hallucinations.
- Euphoria and feelings of intense happiness, well-being, and connectedness.
- A sense of profound insight, often described as mystical or spiritual.
- Intense emotions can range from joy to anxiety or paranoia.
- Deep self-reflection and heightened understanding of personal issues or concepts.
- Synesthesia: Mixing of the senses, such as seeing sounds or hearing colors.
- A distorted sense of time is when time feels slowed down or sped up.
Psychedelic mushrooms are also known for causing unpredictable and intense hallucinations, which can be frightening and lead to risky behavior. The effects of mushrooms can also vary greatly from person to person, making it difficult to predict how someone will react.
Can Magic Mushrooms Harm Your Health?
While many people view psychedelic mushrooms as a harmless, “natural” drug, these substances can have serious and long-lasting effects on an individual’s health. While the psychedelics effects may seem appealing to some individuals seeking a mind-altering experience, but the reality is that psychedelic mushroom use can lead to negative consequences. For instance, altered states of consciousness could make a person extraordinarily restless or feel capable of physical feats that are not generally possible (e.g., jumping from a high wall), potentially leading to risk-taking behaviors and unintentional self-harm.
Additionally, the use of psychedelic mushrooms can also have negative physical effects on the body. These include:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle weakness
Regular use of psychedelic mushrooms can also have negative consequences on a person’s mental health. Studies have shown that prolonged use can increase the risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is because mushrooms alter brain chemistry and can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation.
For some, intense experiences from shroom use can lead to lasting psychological distress, especially in individuals predisposed to mental health issues. Depressive symptoms can be increased, potentially leading to suicidal ideation or actions. Some people report experiencing flashbacks or re-experiencing aspects of the trip weeks or months later, causing ongoing mental distress. In rare cases, individuals may also experience psychosis after using mushrooms.
Can You Overdose on Psychedelic Mushrooms?
It’s possible to overdose on psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, which contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. However, the nature of an overdose on psychedelic mushrooms is different from that of many other substances, such as opioids or alcohol.
A psilocybin overdose, sometimes referred to as a “bad trip,” can result in intense and overwhelming psychological effects. If an overdose happens, individuals may experience severe anxiety or paranoia, plus hallucinations or a sense of disconnect from reality. Additionally, an overdose or “bad trip” can involve physical illness, like nausea and vomiting and increased heart rate.
Dangers of Psychedelic Mushrooms
One of the most dangerous risks of taking mushrooms is accidental poisoning. This can happen when someone consumes a toxic mushroom, thinking it is the psychedelic variety.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
In severe cases, mushroom toxicity can even lead to organ failure and death. If you or someone you know experiences adverse effects from mushrooms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Are Mushrooms Addictive?
Using mushrooms can also lead to an unhealthy dependence on the substance. Psychedelic mushrooms, often referred to as “magic mushrooms,” contain compounds like psilocybin that can alter perception, mood, and cognition. While some people may experiment with them recreationally or in spiritual contexts, repeated use can create a tolerance, meaning the user needs increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effects. Over time, this pattern of use can quickly spiral into addiction, impacting mental health, relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
It is essential to understand the dangers associated with taking mushrooms before experimenting with them. The short-term effects may seem appealing, but the long-term consequences can include emotional instability, psychological distress, and physical health issues. Seeking professional help at a reputable rehab center like Vogue Recovery Center is crucial for those struggling with mushroom addiction. With proper treatment, individuals can uncover the root causes of their substance use, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and work toward long-term recovery and stability.
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Signs and Symptoms of Mushroom Addiction
Psychedelic mushrooms are generally not considered physically addictive like other substances (e.g., opioids or alcohol). However, psychological dependence undoubtedly develops. Watch out for signs of potential psychological dependence on shrooms.
Behavioral signs of psychedelic mushroom addiction include:
- Cravings for frequent mushroom use
- Gradually increasing the frequency or dosage to achieve the desired effects
- Constant preoccupation about using mushrooms or planning subsequent use
- Ignoring or avoiding responsibilities at work, school, or home due to mushroom use
- Social isolation from family and friends to be able to use shrooms
Emotional and psychological signs of psychedelic mushroom addiction include:
- Mood swings with extreme mood fluctuations
- Anxiety or irritability based on not being able to use mushrooms
- Relying on mushrooms as a coping skill to handle stress, anxiety
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies that were once enjoyable without the use of mushrooms
Physical signs of psychedelic mushroom addiction include:
- Increased shroom tolerance, requiring increasing amounts to achieve the same effect
- Experiencing physical symptoms like fatigue or muscle weakness (less common with psilocybin compared to other substances)
Social signs of psychedelic mushroom addiction include:
- Strained or ended relationships due to mushroom use
- Spending excessive amounts of money on obtaining mushrooms or on activities associated with their use
- Encountering legal problems due to the possession, use, or distribution of mushrooms
Mushroom Withdrawal Symptoms
Because psilocybin mushrooms are not typically associated with physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms will look different compared to other substances. Some individuals experience psychological and emotional symptoms when they stop using psilocybin, especially after frequent or high-dose use.
Potential psychedelic mushroom withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Noticeable mood fluctuations, including irritability, anxiety, or depression
- A strong desire to use mushrooms again
- Feelings of sadness or depression, primarily if the mushrooms were being used to self-medicate for underlying issues
- Difficulty sleeping or disturbances in sleep patterns
- General tiredness or lack of energy
- Trouble focusing or difficulty with short-term memory recall
- Mild to moderate headaches
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Pulling away from social activities or interactions, possibly isolating from others
- Reduced interest in activities that were previously enjoyable, potentially mimicking depressive symptoms
Does Insurance Cover Mushroom Addiction Treatment?
One of the most-asked questions when it comes to treating mushroom addiction is whether or not insurance will cover the cost of treatment. If you’re wondering how to pay for rehab, the good news is that insurance can cover part or all of the cost of treatment. All insurance providers and policies are different, but a free insurance verification with the team at Vogue Recovery Center can offer more information about what treatment options for substance abuse and mental health issues you have available based on your policy. Don’t hesitate to contact the admissions team at Vogue Recovery Center today and get started with your recovery journey!
Get Help In Mushroom Addiction Treatment
While physical addiction to mushrooms is rare, the potential for psychological dependence and its impact on an individual’s life should not be underestimated. If you or someone you know is struggling with mushroom use, seeking professional help from a healthcare provider or counselor is recommended.
Maybe you’ve attempted to stop using psilocybin in the past but returned to its use despite your best efforts. If you need help with the misuse of a substance like psychedelic mushrooms, contact Vogue Recovery Centers today. We have individualized programs designed to address many forms of substance use, including mushrooms. With locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, get the help you need today.
Medically Reviewed by Kelsey Jones, MS, LPC
