Are Psychedelic Mushrooms Addictive?

More and more people are getting into magic mushrooms. So are they addictive? Mind-altering? Mind opening? It's best to learn a bit about the benefits and potential downsides before you take your “trip.”

Key Takeaways

• Magic mushrooms (psilocybin magic mushrooms) can have both positive and negative effects on the body and mind.
• Psilocybin does not appear to be naturally addictive, but some individuals may develop a psychological addiction.
• Some research suggests magic mushrooms might aid in addressing conditions like depression, substance use disorders, and other psychological illnesses.

See Related: Is Delta 9 THC Legal In Ohio?

Living in Trippy Times

We're living in weird times. Moms are microdosing, and dads are dabbing. Laws are constantly changing, and it's challenging to keep up with all the rules and regulations.

We've entered a period of renewed interest in psychedelic substances. Among adults 19 to 30, 8% reported use of hallucinogens in 2022, which is much higher than 10 years prior (3% in 2012). Magic mushrooms are almost mainstream.

From ancient rituals to modern-day medicine, magic mushrooms and other hallucinogens have captured the imagination of scientists, spiritual seekers, and recreational users alike.

The star of the show for this particular post is the psychedelic mushroom. Also referred to as magic mushrooms, 'shrooms, and many other monikers, let's take a moment to learn more before taking a trip on that peace train.

What Are Magic Mushrooms?

Although mushrooms exist around the globe, several varieties include a compound called psilocybin that can induce hallucinations when ingested.

The psilocybin mushroom, or magic mushroom, is native to North America, Central America, and South America.

While these mushrooms had traditionally been used by indigenous populations for spiritual intentions, medicinal purposes, and social practices, they also became popular in the 1960s countercultural scene, along with many other substances.

What Is Psilocybin?

As mentioned above, it is a naturally occurring chemical compound derived from fresh or dried mushrooms. Fun fact (or, should we say, fungi fact): this compound is produced by over 200 species of fungi.

It's important to note that psilocybin can be created synthetically as well. And while you won't be tested on this, it's known in scientific circles as 4-phosphoryloxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine (or 4-PO-DMT), and was formerly sold under the brand name of Indocybin.

Psilocybin in and of itself is biologically inactive, but the body converts it to psilocin, which has hallucinogenic effects.

These mushrooms can have many different effects on the mind and body. Let's take a more extensive look at some often-reported experiences, as well as those that are less frequent or well-known.

Effects of Magic Mushrooms

As with all drug use, individuals report different feelings and physical effects. Multiple factors come into play. Everything from the number of mushrooms ingested, the person's physical or social environment, and the intention or frame of mind when taking the mushrooms can impact the experience.

People have varied responses to magic mushrooms, but there generally appear to be alterations in one's psychological perspective, sensory perception, mood, and more.

The psychedelic effects of the shrooms can cause a range of experiences. One apparent effect is a sort of dissociative state - almost like a trance - where people seem more connected to others with less focus on the ego.

All of this might sound super lovely, so let's be sure to look at both the pros and cons.

A Good Trip: The Upsides

In some aspects, the effects of shrooms are similar to those of other classical psychedelics. These include visual and mental hallucinations, euphoria, altered perception and sense of time, as well as reported spiritual experiences.

For recreational use, mushrooms can offer a unique and profound experience. People often report a sense of connection with the world around them, describing moments of intense joy, creativity, and insight.

Many people find that a psychedelic experience can be a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. Some people may experience more intense visual and auditory hallucinations, while others may focus on introspective thoughts and emotions.

There are also potential therapeutic benefits with psilocybin mushrooms that may improve certain mental health conditions.

Research has shown that these fungi can indeed induce profound experiences, often leading to positive changes in individuals' attitudes, moods, and behaviors. These experiences can foster increased empathy, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of connection with oneself and others. 

Furthermore, psilocybin has demonstrated efficacy in treating various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and addiction. We'll talk a little more about addiction treatment later. But first, let's go over some of the potential cons of consuming magic mushrooms.

A Bad Trip: The Downsides

Magic mushrooms may also be associated with other psychoactive properties. They may cause scary hallucinations and anxiety. Sometimes 'shrooms cause extreme feelings of fear, anger, or symptoms reminiscent of schizophrenia.

Magic mushrooms can produce drowsiness, which isn't necessarily negative if you're going for relaxation. However, they can also cause adverse reactions such as nausea and panic attacks.

Psilocybin can cause muscle weakness, sluggishness, and irritation. There can be numbness, usually in the face, as well as increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Many people experience flashbacks, which is when the effects are felt long after they have taken the magic mushrooms.

As you can see, the physical and psychological effects can vary, but the question remains...is psilocybin addictive?

Are Shrooms Addictive?

There are a lot of questions about whether or not magic mushrooms or psilocybin are addictive.

Though this hallucinogenic substance falls under the category of naturally occurring fungi, that doesn't necessarily suggest that it's harmless.

We often think of anything natural and organic as good for you, but nature has a way of sneaking up on you sometimes.

Is psilocybin addictive? To answer the question, we must first understand addiction and how it works.

Understanding Addiction

Addiction is a complex brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. It involves a hijacking of the brain's reward system, leading to cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.

Physical Addiction

Psychedelic mushrooms are fundamentally different from the addictive nature of substances like alcohol or opioids. 

There is not a strong case for mushroom addiction as a physical addiction. Why? A few reasons:

• Lack of Physical Dependence: Unlike substances such as heroin or nicotine, or even other dissociative drugs, like PCP, psychedelic mushrooms don't cause physical dependence. This means that users don't experience severe withdrawal symptoms when they stop using them.
• Tolerance and Tolerance Reversal: With repeated use, tolerance to the effects of psychedelic mushrooms can develop. However, unlike many addictive substances, tolerance to psychedelics often reverses after a period of abstinence.
• The Mental and Physical Setting: The psychological state and the physical environment in which psychedelics are consumed can significantly influence the experience. A positive and supportive environment can enhance the experience and reduce the likelihood of negative outcomes.

Psychological Addiction

Psychedelic substances play upon the neurotransmitters of the brain, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). This can affect mood, perception, and cognition, which can have positive or negative effects.

Does psilocybin have the potential for psychological addiction?

There is the potential for magic mushrooms to lead to psychological dependence. This can manifest as a strong desire to repeat the experience, particularly if perceived as positive or transformative.

However, it's important to note that this type of dependence is different from traditional addiction. It's more like a craving for a particularly enjoyable experience, as opposed to a compulsive need to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

So yes, there is the possibility of a psychological addiction to psilocybin. Interestingly, there's even growing evidence that psychedelic substances like psilocybin mushrooms can be effective in treating addiction to other drugs.

Substance Abuse Treatment Using Psilocybin Mushrooms

With any form of addiction, it's critical to look at the underlying causes of continued substance use. Psilocybin mushroom addiction seems to be rare.

Studies have shown that psilocybin may be used to help individuals overcome addictions to substances like alcohol, nicotine, and cocaine. The mechanism behind this is not fully understood, but it's believed that psychedelics can help individuals rewire their neural pathways and break harmful patterns of behavior.

Using psilocybin-assisted therapy in an addiction treatment program involves a carefully controlled setting with trained therapists who guide individuals through the experience. The therapy often includes pre- and post-treatment sessions to integrate the insights gained from the psychedelic experience.

It's important to note that while psilocybin may be used to treat addiction to other substances, it should be administered under the medical attention of professionals for these purposes.

Even though the name might imply otherwise, magic mushrooms are not a magic cure-all and should be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for substance use disorders. There may be other complementary treatment options.

Magic Mushrooms for Mental Health

A clinical trial published in the JAMA Psychiatry found that psilocybin-assisted therapy reduced some symptoms of major depression. The fact that it's an accepted medical practice to treat severe depression with psilocybin mushrooms means mushroom addition may not be perceived as a major risk.

Psilocybin can have lasting positive effects on individuals struggling with such mental health issues. By altering brain activity and promoting neuroplasticity, psilocybin may help to rewire negative thought patterns and emotional responses. 

If you are seeking mental health services for depression or other issues making daily life difficult, having a supportive community is critical. Support groups can play a positive role when dealing with anything from addiction to depression or anxiety.

Legal Considerations

According to the Controlled Substances Act, psilocybin mushrooms are a Schedule I drug,

As of December 2023, only two states have legalized psilocybin mushrooms for medicinal use. Oregon was the first state to legalize psilocybin for both medical and recreational use. Colorado legalized psilocybin for medical use, with regulated facilities providing supervised sessions.

It's important to note that the specific regulations and guidelines for accessing and using psilocybin vary by state.

Ways to Set Yourself Up for a Safe Trip

While you can't necessarily guarantee a groovy time when taking mushrooms, there are some ways you can improve your odds. Minimize the risk of any physical harm or negative psychological experiences by following some of the suggestions below.

Bonus: THC-O Frequently Asked Questions

Mindset and Setting:

• Your mindset is crucial. Approach the experience with a positive and open mind.
• Choose a comfortable and safe environment. A quiet, familiar space can be ideal.

Dosage:

• Begin with a low dose, especially if you're new to psychedelics. You can always take more if needed.
• Seek advice from experienced users or a psychedelic guide for personalized dosage recommendations.

Mindset and Intention:

• Set intentions. Before consuming, consider your intentions for the trip. What do you hope to achieve?
• Focus on your breath and the present moment.

Sitter:

• Have a trusted friend or guide who can provide support and reassurance during the trip.

Physical Comfort:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Wear comfortable clothing.

Always be mindful of your surroundings and your mental state with psilocybin use. Remember, the key to a positive experience is to approach magic mushrooms with respect and caution.

Many Kinds of Mushrooms

Before we wrap up, we wanted to share another kind of mushroom you may come across - especially if you’re looking for mushroom products here at Clean Remedies. We carry a variety of Amanita muscaria products, which is a type of psychedelic mushroom. 

Unlike psilocybin mushrooms, which primarily affect serotonin receptors, Amanita muscaria offers a more subdued and introspective experience. Some individuals report positive effects such as reduced anxiety and improved mood. 

Whatever shroom you select, remember to be safe and have fun(gi)!

Keep Reading: What Is THCP? Legality, Benefits, & More

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