Magic mushrooms contain a compound called psilocybin which, when ingested, becomes psilocin. This chemical activates serotonin receptors in the brain, triggering vivid hallucinations, feelings of euphoria, and changes in perception of space and time.
Because they grow in the wild, magic mushrooms are sometimes considered a safe alternative to harder drugs. However, there are still potential risks associated with tripping over these psychedelic mushrooms.
Additionally, it is important to note that the limited studies conducted on magic mushrooms, or psychedelics in general, are conducted in a controlled setting with controlled dosing and those who use recreational drugs are likely to have different results.
INSIDER consulted two addiction and substance abuse experts to learn more about the risks of using magic mushrooms recreationally.
You Can Have A "Poor Trip" Or Become Physically
The most commonly reported negative side effect of taking magic mushrooms is a bad trip. This could lead to unpleasant physical symptoms such as nausea, chills, vomiting, or headache. In addition, the user may have unfavorable psychological consequences such as paranoia, anxiety, or acute panic.
"Psychological distress is the most commonly reported side effect after using psilocybin. According to the medical director of the American Addiction Centers, it can range from a "bad trip" to "serious hallucinations that might last for days."
Under normal circumstances, the mind-altering effects of psilocybin-containing mushrooms typically last six to eight hours depending on dosage, method of preparation, and personal metabolism. Typically, the first three to four hours of this period are the most severe. However, the effects may seem to last much longer for the user due to psilocybin's ability to alter the perception of time.
How you feel while under the influence of magic mushrooms can be influenced by a number of factors, including the dose, the environment, the person you are with, and your mood or mental state before taking the mushrooms. A gloomy mood before taking psilocybin mushrooms can intensify any negative feelings you already have, leading to a bad trip.
If you have anxiety or bipolar illness, magic mushrooms may make your anxiety worse throughout the trip.
Anyone with psychological issues or mood disorders should think twice before taking magic mushrooms. Due to the way psilocybin works on the brain, consuming mushrooms could have negative consequences for someone whose mental health is already compromised.
"Psilocin's interaction with serotonin receptors in the prefrontal cortex can alter brain function." chemistry and worsen conditions such as panic disorder, bipolar disorder, or anxiety."
Even people without pre-existing mental health issues may experience an increase in panic attacks after taking magic mushrooms.
“When mushrooms interact with your system, you expose your body to the possibility of severe anxiety or "panic attacks, including dizziness and lightheadedness," according to The Addictions Academy's addiction specialist and founder.
Some research, however, claims that magic mushrooms online given under professional supervision can help relieve anxiety, although more research is likely needed.
Some medications marketed as "magic mushrooms" are in fact forgeries.
Since magic mushrooms are illegal in most countries and not regulated like other pharmaceuticals, there's When you buy a batch of mushrooms, there's no way of knowing what you're going to get.
"It has been discovered that many drugs promoted as magic mushrooms include store-bought mushrooms." intertwined with another hallucinogen like PCP or LSD or a completely different drug,"
This means that buying magic mushrooms carries the risk of ingesting a number of other medications, Some of them may provide a very serious danger of deadly overdose or an adverse response. If you're worried about the authenticity of a psilocybin mushroom, It's best not to risk ingesting it.
Taking the incorrect sort of mushroom is dangerous
When it comes to magic mushrooms, one of the worst-case situations is unintentionally consuming a toxic mushroom instead of one containing psilocybin.
Wild mushrooms are particularly at risk of accidental poisoning by toxic species because it can be easy to mistake a harmful mushroom for a hallucinogenic mushroom.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning, including muscle weakness, confusion, gastrointestinal issues, And delirium, Can sometimes be mistaken for those of a bad trip. It is therefore important to consult a doctor immediately if you think you have ingested a poisonous mushroom.
