“Magic mushrooms” (psilocybin mushrooms) grow in the wild, but this does not mean they are safe to eat. In fact, you could confuse magic mushrooms with poisonous mushrooms, leading to liver or kidney failure. Around 100 people die every year from eating poisonous mushrooms.
Not only are there a number of mushroom species that can make you violently ill, but also the “trip” that psilocybin produces can bring on anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, and psychosis. Mixing psilocybin with other substances is even more dangerous, increasing the risk of a bad “trip” and leading to panic or the worsening of pre-existing conditions.
In 2023, 1.1 million people in the U.S. tried hallucinogens like magic mushrooms for the first time. Although current research does not show psilocybin to be physically “addictive,” this compound can cause disturbing anxiety, panic, and hallucinations. You can also build tolerance to psilocybin, meaning you need to take more of the substance to get the same effects.
If you or a loved one has been experimenting with psilocybin, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. Wolf Creek Recovery offers support services for people who are psychologically dependent on hallucinogens, including magic mushrooms. If you need professional help, know that we are here for you. In the meantime, let’s learn more about psilocybin side effects so that you’re aware of how this substance impacts the mind and body.
Psilocybin Side Effects
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring substance found in certain species of mushrooms. Once ingested, it’s converted into psilocin, which acts on serotonin receptors in the brain. This is what leads to hallucinations and changes in time and space perception. While some research shows that psilocybin may have therapeutic benefits for individuals with PTSD, depression, or anxiety, it remains a controlled substance due to the negative effects it can cause. Let’s look closer at the short-term and long-term effects of psilocybin.
How Do Psilocybin Side Effects Change Over Time?
If you’re someone who uses “magic mushrooms,” there are a number of side effects that can happen over time, especially if you use the substance regularly. While the immediate effects can be intense, psilocybin can also lead to longer term complications like emotional blunting and persistent anxiety. This happens because of the effect on serotonin levels.
Immediate, Short-Term Effects
When you first take psilocybin, the effects usually begin within 20 to 40 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 4 to 6 hours. Common symptoms include altered perception of time and space, visual or auditory hallucinations, euphoria, and intense emotional shifts.
While some people have a positive or mystical experience when taking psilocybin, others do not. These “bad trips” can cause confusion, paranoia, or even psychosis. This is more likely to happen if you take the substance in a stressful environment or at a high dose, but the reality is that it can happen to anyone. Short-term physical effects may include increased heart rate, pupil dilation, and dizziness.
Longer Term Complications
People often assume that because psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound, it doesn’t cause long-term effects. But this isn’t exactly true. Long-term side effects can occur, especially with frequent or high-dose use. Some individuals experience persistent changes in their mood, perception, or cognition, such as emotional detachment, depression, or anxiety. Others may become psychologically dependent on psilocybin, believing they need the substance to manage difficult emotions.
In rare cases, psilocybin can trigger a condition called Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). This condition involves flashbacks or visual disturbances long after the substance has worn off. If you do choose to use psilocybin, be aware of your family history. Those with a personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder may be at a greater risk for long-term complications.
In What Ways Does Psilocybin Affect the Mind and Body?
Psilocybin affects the mind and body by altering brain chemistry, particularly the neurotransmitter serotonin. This chemical is involved in mood, perception, and cognition. Once you ingest psilocybin mushrooms, it’s converted into psilocin, which binds to serotonin receptors and disrupts normal communication between brain regions. This is what leads to intense sensory experiences and vivid visual or auditory hallucinations, altered sense of time, and profound emotional or spiritual insights.
Behavioral Signs of Psilocybin Use
The behavioral signs of psilocybin use can include noticeable shifts in mood, perception, and behavior. Individuals might express profound thoughts about life, existence, or the universe, allowing them to separate from everyday life. It’s this escape that people often cling to when they use psilocybin, eagerly awaiting their next opportunity to use the substance.
Other behavioral signs include confusion, disorientation, or trouble communicating. Some people may withdraw socially, stare off into space, or respond to things that aren’t there. It’s also possible for people to feel emotionally distant as the effects of psilocybin wear off. While some of these effects might not sound too harsh, keep in mind that everyone is different, and psilocybin can be unpredictable.
Physical Signs of Psilocybin Use
While it’s unusual for a person to experience long-term physical changes due to psilocybin use, the short-term effects aren’t hard to miss. Common physical signs include dilated pupils, flushed skin, and increased heart rate or blood pressure.
People may also experience muscle weakness, tremors, or lack of coordination, which can make them appear unsteady or clumsy. Other physical effects include yawning, sweating, nausea, and chills. For the most part, these symptoms are temporary and wear off within a few hours. However, they can be intense and cause individuals to have a negative experience.
Psychological Signs of Psilocybin Use
The psychological signs of psilocybin use are also obvious, as this compound has a direct effect on serotonin levels. Common symptoms include noticeable shifts in perception, mood, and thought patterns that may involve vibrant colors, geometric patterns, or objects that appear to move or breathe.
It’s also not uncommon to swing between euphoria and anxiety, sometimes feeling deeply connected to others, or conversely, feeling overwhelmed and paranoid. Other psychological signs include an altered sense of time, disorganized thinking, difficulty focusing, and detachment from reality. These effects can last for several hours, depending on the dose and the setting.
Effective Treatment for Psilocybin Use: Restore Your Life in Prescott, AZ
Rehab for psilocybin addiction typically focuses on addressing the psychological and emotional patterns behind using magic mushrooms. Since it’s unlikely to become physically dependent on psilocybin, treatment doesn’t involve medical detox in the same way that other substances do. However, it’s still recommended to detox under medical guidance to ensure your symptoms are managed.
The most effective treatments for psilocybin use are psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), support groups, and treatment for underlying mental health conditions. The goal of these approaches is to help you understand why you are drawn to psilocybin mushrooms and how to build healthy coping strategies. Discovering activities that bring you joy is also important as you look for new ways to enjoy life. Mindfulness practices, journaling, and lifestyle changes support long-term recovery and personal growth.
While hallucinogens like magic mushrooms may not get the same attention as alcohol or opioids, they can still cause problems in your life. Therefore, if you are psychologically dependent on psilocybin, you can benefit from a professional treatment program. Wolf Creek Recovery offers comprehensive care that addresses the psychological, social, and emotional aspects of substance use. We have staff in recovery, and we spend time outdoors building life skills through our outdoor therapy program. Reach out to us at 833-732-8202 if you’re looking to restore your life and find joy outside of hallucinogens. Build a life you love.
FAQs About the Side Effects of Psilocybin
What side effects can psilocybin mushrooms cause?
The most common side effects of taking psilocybin mushrooms are confusion, fear, hallucinations, high blood pressure, headaches, nausea, and paranoia.
How does psilocybin affect the mind and body?
Once ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which acts on serotonin receptors in the brain. This is what causes hallucinations and changes in time and space perception. Psilocybin also affects the central nervous system.
Can psilocybin mushrooms have long-term effects?
With frequent or high-dose use, psilocybin mushrooms can cause long-term problems. They are usually psychological in nature and include the worsening of mental health conditions and a disorder called Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD).
