Author: Gary Jackson

What Are Shrooms? And Other Magic Mushroom FAQs

While some people take magic mushrooms solely for their psychoactive effects, researchers have also explored psilocybin’s potential therapeutic benefits. Hospital admissions related to the use of magic mushrooms are often connected to what is known colloquially as a “bad trip.” Dive into the scientific nitty-gritty as we unpack groundbreaking studies surrounding psychedelics.

• These may take the form of a visual flashback, a traumatic recall of an intensely upsetting experience.
• A recent study revealed that around 9.68% of U.S. adults tried psilocybin.
• It’s unknown why some people have flashbacks or HPPD and others don’t.
• Finally, though the risk is small, some psilocybin users risk accidental poisoning from eating a poisonous mushroom by mistake.
• Magic mushrooms are being studied for treatment-resistant depression because they act on parts of the brain like the anterior cingulate cortex involved in mood states.

Psilocin acts in the brain similarly to other hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as LSD. Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) occurs when a person experiences hallucinations or visual disturbances long after using a hallucinogenic drug. These are also known as “flashbacks” and can be mistaken for neurologic conditions. Yes, studies suggest that substances in magic mushrooms might affect the big-five personality traits, leading to long-lasting changes in openness and other traits. Get ready to dive into the rabbit hole of your mind, because psychedelic mushrooms aren’t just about groovy visuals.

Shrooms may help treat addiction

Consult your healthcare provider for advice before consuming any psychedelics, even in small doses. Other effects may include intense emotions, altered perception of time and space, enhanced creativity, and mild visual hallucinations. Shrooms are classified as psychedelic drugs, or “psychedelics,” a class of substances that can cause profound alterations in consciousness and perception. Support groups can also provide an opportunity for members to receive education and resources on addiction recovery. Additionally, family counseling may help those battling mental health issues due to shroom usage. Group therapy can benefit users who want to discuss their experiences in a safe, supportive setting.

Results indicated that psilocybin may be successful in treating depression with psychological support. Researchers have investigated whether psychological specialists can use psilocybin and similar hallucinogens to treat depression. People usually consume psilocybin as a brewed tea or prepare it with a food item to mask its bitter taste. Manufacturers also crush dried mushrooms into a powder and prepare them in capsule form. Psilocybin does not always cause active visual or auditory hallucinations. Instead, it distorts how some people who use the drug perceive objects and people already in their environment.

Can You Overdose on Shrooms?

If your loved one is using shrooms, they may be nauseous or appear nervous or paranoid. In the case of drug use, it’s always important to pay attention to any changes in sleep and eating patterns, as well as shifts in mood, personality, and social activities. The psilocybin found in shrooms is converted to psilocin in the body and is believed to influence serotonin in the brain, leading to altered and unusual perceptions. If you use shrooms often or in big amounts, your risk goes up for long-term problems. Some people get HPPD where they see flashes of colors or light halos even when they’re not using mushrooms anymore. Dive into the world of mushrooms and you might wonder about hitchhikers like addiction and dependence tagging along for the long haul.

• The current studies have some limitations due to their small sample sizes and restricted applicability to larger populations.
• Support groups can also provide an opportunity for members to receive education and resources on addiction recovery.
• There may be studies for smoking addiction, alcohol addiction, cocaine addiction, and anxiety.
• Some people describe an “afterglow” after using shrooms, or a sense of happiness and well-being that may last for several days after ingestion.
• Humans have been using these mushrooms for thousands of years, but there’s a lot we still don’t know.