Many people don’t realize just how dangerous psychedelic mushrooms can be. One of the primary reasons for this is that many places are trying to make them legal for recreational use, claiming that psychedelic mushrooms are not addictive. This is simply untrue. They can be very much psychologically addictive, and they can cause serious mental, emotional, and even physical harm. The good news is that there are many safe and effective recovery options for those who struggle with psychedelic mushroom use.
Are Psychedelic Mushrooms Really Dangerous?
So, are psychedelic mushrooms (psilocybin) really dangerous? The answer is, “yes.” Unfortunately, there has been a prominent campaign that has minimized the dangerous effects of psychedelic mushrooms (also known as “magic” mushrooms).
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “[S]tudies show there are health risks associated with taking psilocybin, particularly when unsupervised and outside of a research study and clinical supervision… People may do things that put themselves or others at risk of physical harm after taking mushrooms in an unsupervised environment—driving dangerously or walking in traffic, for example – as they may be less aware of their physical surroundings and have an impairment in their ability to think clearly.” The issue is that many people are simply unaware of what psychedelic mushrooms actually are. Thus, they are unaware of the dangers.
What are Psychedelic Mushrooms?
According to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), “Psilocybin comes from certain types of psilocybe mushrooms…. The psychological consequences of psilocybin use include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Panic reactions and a psychotic-like episode also may occur, particularly if a user ingests a high dose.” Also, it is the psychological consequences that may cause the most damage with psilocybin misuse.
Many people may argue that psychedelic mushrooms are okay because they are “natural.” However, this does not negate the negative effects that may occur after they are ingested, particularly excessively risky behavior. This is why addiction to psychedelic mushrooms should be regarded as problematic as any other addiction. It is a disease.
Better Understanding Addiction
Many people falsely categorize addiction as some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is simply untrue. It is a chronic disease. In fact, it has more in common with other chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes than it does with a choice.
It is also important to understand that addiction does not just have to do with physical dependence. It also has to do with psychological craving. This is what ultimately leads us to use substances even when we don’t want to. It also leads many people to a potential relapse.
Relapses are much more common than many people may realize. According to the peer-reviewed journal Current Psychiatry Reports, “It has long been known that addictive disorders are chronic and relapsing in nature. Recent estimates from clinical treatment studies suggest that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of initiating treatment. For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% of individuals relapse and return to drug use within 1 year of treatment.” Understanding the signs of psychological addiction can help you avoid these potential relapses.
The Signs and Symptoms of Psychological Addiction
Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of a psychological addiction are going to vary based on the individual. However, there are some universal signs that one can look out for. The following are just a few of those signs:
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Experiencing mood swings
- Negative changes in appetite
- Losing interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed
- Feeling excessively anxious and/or depressed
- Struggles with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (insomnia)
- Not being able to stop using certain substances once started
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Aggressive feelings toward oneself and/or others
- Having suicidal ideations
These are the types of symptoms that must be addressed as soon as possible, if one is to heal in the long term. Seeking professional help as soon as these symptoms arise can make a big difference. It can mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. It can alleviate the psychological and emotional strain of addiction that can feel debilitating.
A Focus on Long-Term Success at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This includes success over psychological addiction. That is why all of our plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
If you are sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, then the time to recover is now. The struggle need not continue. There is hope! We are here to make sure you get your life back. You can do this! We can help.
Many people think that psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”) is harmless. This is simply not the case. It can lead to risky behaviors and cause psychological addiction. The good news is that there are many effective long-term recovery options. The key is finding the right means, methods, and modalities that work for you. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about the negative effects of psychedelics, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
