Psilocybin Mushrooms: Side Effects, Withdrawal, Overdose & Treatment

For some people, using psilocybin mushrooms can give feelings of euphoria and happiness, and make them feel like everything is perfect. But there are also risks associated with using them. While mushrooms are not considered addictive, there is evidence that some people can develop psilocybin abuse.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what psilocybin mushrooms are, the dangers associated with using them, and what treatments are available for those who abuse the substance.

What Are Psilocybin Mushrooms?

Psilocybin mushrooms are similar to marijuana as they are naturally produced in the environment. The general effect of this drug is to disrupt the normal function of the brain causing hallucinations and expansion of awareness.

The two active ingredients of this drug are Psilocin and Psilocybin. Both of these chemicals produce psychoactive effects for the user. Once taken orally, manifestations observed are parallel to LSD. These effects are alterations of the person’s perception of color, mood, thinking, hearing, and vision. Likewise, there is a constant shift in mood and behavior.

This drug is also known by other names which can vary depending on culture and location. These street names are made up to hide the real identity of the drug whenever illegal transactions happen.

Some of its street names are Boomers, Cubes, Caps, Little smoke, mushroom, Liberty caps, Sherm, Silly cybin, Shrooms, Magic mushrooms, simple Simon, silly putty, and more. Likewise, its two common names are Fungus Delight and Flower Flipping or Hippie Flip.

What Do Psilocybin Mushrooms Look Like?

In terms of physical appearance, this plant has an array of colors such as gray, brown, white, or tan. Its overall looks are slightly comparable to that of poisonous mushrooms. This plant has a cap with some dark-colored gills underneath. Then, its stem is long and slender.

This fungus is part of the Copelandia and Panaeolus genuses. When taking a closer observation, each mushroom has its specific and unique trait compared to other species. For instance, a mushroom with a pliable texture and earth-like taste is a Liberty cap mushroom. However, to tell if a certain mushroom has the psilocybe chemical, it must turn green or blue after cutting one part.

In the market, this drug can take several forms such as white powder or dried mushroom. The content of its active chemical is greater in the cap than in its stem. However, to prevent an overdose, both cap and stem parts are mixed and homogenized.

Meanwhile, there are also synthetic psilocybin substances on the market and they appear in fine white powder form. Oftentimes, these are transformed into tablet or capsule forms. Moreover, some of them are dissolved and mixed with other liquid solutions.

What Are Psilocybin Mushrooms Used For?

In some cases, this substance has shown therapeutic benefits in small and controlled dosages. A prescribed minimal dose of this drug has the potency to decrease stress and suicidal behavior among adults.

The relaxing and euphoric sensation from the drug has shown potency in relieving depression, anxiety, suicidal behavior, nicotine addiction, alcoholism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Currently, numerous ongoing studies are testing the potency of this substance in treating certain psychological disorders.

However, many users abuse this substance for recreational use.

How Do Psilocybin Mushrooms Work?

This drug upon oral ingestion is dissolved in the bloodstream and targets the brain. Once bound to the receptor sites, it causes alterations in the normal thinking and perception of the individual. Approximately, one mushroom has 0.2 to 0.4 percent of its active ingredient Psilocybin.

The most common ways of consuming this mushroom are mixing with teas, oral ingestion, and mixing with other drugs like marijuana.

How Long Before You Can Feel the Effects of Psilocybin Mushrooms?

After eating or oral ingestion, it travels down the stomach where the Psilocybin active ingredient is transformed to psilocin in around 20 to 40 minutes. The psychedelic effects can be felt around 30 minutes after ingestion and reaches a maximum level after one and a half hours.

How Long Do Psilocybin Mushrooms Stay In Your System?

Typically, this substance stays in the body for around four to six hours before it is fully metabolized or flushed out.

In the blood and urine, residues of this substance can still be detected for 13 hours and 1 to 3 days, respectively, after the last period of usage.

In the hair follicles, it can still be detected up to 90 days after the last session of usage.

Furthermore, other factors influencing how long this substance stays in the body include age, weight, health condition, immune system, and lifestyle.

What are the Short and Long-term Effects of Psilocybin Mushrooms?

Once the person starts using this substance, certain side effects can be felt and the magnitude increases as dosage and duration increase. Short-term side effects can be felt 20 to 90 minutes after ingesting the substance.

The common short-term side effects of this mushroom include intense mood swings, hallucinations, alterations in perceptions, difficulty sleeping, blurry vision, and distorted images of reality.

Meanwhile, the usual long-term side effects of taking this substance are cravings, emotional instability, intense sensory perceptions, inability to comprehend, and overreaction to stimuli.

Are Psilocybin Mushrooms Addictive?

Despite the seen potential of being a medicine, still, the substance has been commonly abused for recreational purposes. The relaxing and euphoric sensation of using this drug has shown abuse potential which leads to serious health consequences in the long run.

Aside from that, it poses dangerous side effects when mixed with other drugs such as sedatives, antidepressants, stimulants, and illicit substances. It magnifies the alteration capabilities of this substance which can be irreversible if taken for a longer time.

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms?

Hallucinogenic mushrooms are not known to have any physical withdrawal symptoms, but this could be because they’re one of the few illegal drugs that don’t produce physical side effects.

If there is a distinct change in your mental health while taking them for an extended period or if you notice any other unusual behavior patterns occurring during use then please talk with a doctor immediately so it can get treated before things spiral out of control.

What Causes Psilocybin Mushroom Overdose? Signs of an Overdose

There are no physical symptoms associated with a psilocybin mushroom overdose. The main risk of taking too many psilocybin mushrooms is that the person may have a very intense psychological experience.

While there is no danger of physically overdosing on psilocybin mushrooms, the effect can be quite overwhelming and may lead to anxiety, paranoia, and delusions. A person with a bad trip may also be at risk of doing violent or dangerous behavior.

What Should You Do If Someone Is Overdosing?

If a person has intense psychoactive effects after taking psilocybin mushrooms, they should be monitored closely by someone who knows what they are doing.

It is important to make sure that the person does not become agitated or violent. If possible, it is best to keep them calm and relaxed until the effects of the mushrooms wear off.

How Do You Treat Psilocybin Mushroom Addiction? Detox & Treatment

If you’re concerned that your use of psilocybin mushrooms is becoming disruptive to your daily life, it’s important to seek professional help.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating psilocybin abuse, but professional treatment can help you manage your use of the drug and reduce the negative impact on your life.

Treatment may involve individual or group therapy, as well as medication management. A qualified treatment provider can help you create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

Final Thoughts: Addressing Psilocybin Mushrooms Abuse and Addiction

The use of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to serious health consequences. A lot of times, people who abuse this substance don’t realize the risks involved.

If you or someone you know is struggling with psilocybin abuse, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible. With treatment, it is possible to recover and lead a healthy, drug-free life.