Magic mushrooms are a type of fungus that contains a psychoactive compound called psilocybin. People who ingest psilocybin mushrooms experience hallucinogenic effects. People may enjoy these effects and want to use them more often. But are magic mushrooms addictive?
Research has found that magic mushrooms do not have the same risk of addiction as many other drugs. However, people who use mushrooms may experience some of the effects of addiction.
This article will explore magic mushroom use.
What you will learn:
- The effects and risks of using psilocybin mushrooms
- The long-term effects of magic mushroom abuse
- Where to find treatment for substance abuse
Contact the specialists at Alamo Behavioral Health to learn about our holistic substance abuse treatment and support programs. Reach out to our intake team now with questions or to schedule an intake assessment.
What are Magic Mushrooms?
“Magic mushrooms” is a term describing a fungus that contains psilocybin. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychoactive chemical. It affects serotonin receptors in the brain, especially in the prefrontal cortex.[1] This region of the brain affects mood, perception, and thinking.[2]
Psilocybin mushrooms are native to Mexico, the US, and Central America. People typically ingest mushrooms by eating them fresh or dried, taking powder-filled capsules, or drinking tea made from mushrooms.[3]
People who take magic mushrooms may experience hallucinogenic effects. However, mushrooms do not always cause people to have hallucinations. People may experience other effects, including:[1,3]
- Distorted perceptions about their environment
- Feelings of spiritual awakening or openness
- A dreamlike sensation
- A sense of deep well-being and peace
People may also experience unwanted side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Loss of coordination
- Paranoia
- Disturbing hallucinations
- A belief your surroundings are not real
- Dilated pupils
- Poor concentration
- Confusion
- Muscle weakness
Higher concentrations of psilocybin can impact people’s experiences with magic mushrooms. People’s environment, mental health conditions, and expectations can also affect their experiences.
The amount of psilocybin in the mushrooms can vary depending on a variety of factors, including:
- Whether the mushrooms are dried or fresh
- The species of mushroom
- The mushrooms’ origins
- When growers harvested the mushrooms
- Growing conditions that produced the mushrooms
Potency can vary greatly. It can be challenging to determine how much psilocybin you are consuming when ingesting mushrooms. Typically, dried mushrooms contain much higher concentrations of psilocybin than fresh ones.
Some states have passed legislation to decriminalize or legalize mushroom use. However, in most areas of the United States, psilocybin is a Schedule I controlled substance. Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse.[1]
Common Slang Terms for Mushrooms
Research shows that psilocybin mushrooms have become more prevalent in the United States in recent years. Drug busts involving mushrooms increased considerably between 2017 and 2022, with law enforcement seizing three times the mushrooms.[4]
People refer to magic mushrooms with several slang terms, including:
- Boomers
- Cubes
- Little smoke
- Mushies
- Mushroom soup
- Purple passion
- Sacred mushrooms
- Shrooms
- Simple Simon
- Zoomers
Recognizing slang terms for mushrooms can help you identify others’ substance use. This may be especially important for parents of kids and teens because of increased use in these groups.
The Long-Term Effects of Using Psilocybin Mushrooms
Some people who abuse magic mushrooms may experience long-lasting side effects. These include flashbacks of bad trips and may involve:[5]
- A perception of colors or flickering lights
- Trails forming behind moving objects
- Seeing things out of the corner of their eyes
- Halo vision
- A distorted sense of objects’ color or size
People who have these lingering symptoms may have Hallucinogen-Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). This condition can last for weeks, months, or even years after last using psilocybin.[6]
For some, the symptoms of HPPD may be disturbing and disruptive. They can significantly impact functioning and quality of life.
Can You Get Addicted to Mushrooms?
Research shows that mushrooms do not have the same addictive potential as other drugs, including stimulants or opioids. However, people who use mushrooms frequently may develop psychological dependence and other signs of addiction.[7]
People who cannot stop using magic mushrooms on their own must seek addiction treatment. A professional treatment program can help people manage emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms. Treatment options may include:
- Medically-assisted treatment (MAT) programs
- Inpatient or outpatient programs
- Support groups
- Mental health treatment
- Medical care
- Counseling and behavioral therapies
- Relapse prevention education
It can be challenging to stop using magic mushrooms on your own. Seek treatment and ongoing support to help you regain control over your substance use.
Find Substance Abuse Treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with magic mushroom abuse or another type of substance abuse, you are not alone. Effective, holistic treatment is available at Alamo Behavioral Health.
Contact our intake team to learn about our programs, verify your insurance, or schedule an intake assessment.
References:
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration: Psilocybin
- National Academy of Sciences: Experience and the developing prefrontal cortex
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms)
- NIDA: Law enforcement seizures of psilocybin mushrooms rose dramatically between 2017-2022
- Science Direct: Long-term effects of psychedelic drugs: A systematic review
- National Institute of Health: Hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder
- Science Direct: The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act
