If you wonder, “Are mushrooms addictive?” the answer is similar to any other drug or alcohol. Every drug has the potential to become addictive, turning a person’s world upside down when they become lost in the spiral of addiction. Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as “shrooms,” can become a problem to a person using them to escape from life. When they do become addicted, getting professional help becomes necessary.
What Are Psilocybin Mushrooms?
Psilocybin mushrooms are also known as magic mushrooms or “shrooms.” These mushrooms come from the United States, Mexico, and South America. Different from the type of mushrooms found in grocery stores and restaurants, these mushrooms contain a chemical called psilocybin. Categorized as hallucinogenic, this mushroom causes mind-altering effects, including hallucinations. They can be consumed alone, as part of a meal, or brewed in tea. Psilocybin mushrooms may also be crushed into powder form and put into capsules taken orally. They prove effective, whether fresh or in dried form.
Hallucinogenic drugs have a storied history within some indigenous communities who use them during religious ceremonies, but they didn’t become popular across the country until the 1960s. People seeking hallucinogenic highs use shrooms, as well as other drugs like LSD, peyote, and dimethyltryptamine.
After consuming shrooms, they take effect anywhere from half an hour to two hours later. A person experiences the high for three to six hours or longer, depending on the amount consumed. Users of shrooms often seek out the altered sense of time and auditory and visual hallucinations. They report feelings of relaxation and euphoria, as well as the perceived ability to expand their thinking to deeper levels.
Are Shrooms Dangerous?
Besides wondering are mushrooms addictive, many wonder if they are dangerous. Some people operate under the belief that because mushrooms grow naturally as part of vegetation, they don’t offer any chance of being dangerous. They discount the fact that this drug contains a potentially dangerous chemical. Even one strong dosage can impact a person for several months.
Repeated usage of shrooms can result in long-term psychosis. When this happens, a person suffers from bouts of hallucinations and paranoia even when not using psilocybin mushrooms. Many people often start experiencing flashbacks to events and feelings that occurred when they were high on shrooms. They may involuntarily remember anything from a quick visual to extreme hallucinations.
While everyone using shrooms pursues a positive high, some sessions result in what is called “bad trips.” When these happen, the person often experiences feelings of dread, paranoia, and danger. Because shrooms are mind-altering drugs, it becomes quite difficult to convince a person having a bad trip that they don’t see things clearly. Bad trips can become a focal point of flashbacks experienced later on, causing great consternation for those suffering from them.
Are Mushrooms Addictive?
When asked, “Are mushrooms addictive?” some people will argue that they do not have an addictive quality. While studies are still being done on any physical dependence that may develop from using psilocybin mushrooms, any substance can become psychologically addictive. People who prefer hallucinogenic drugs sometimes point out that they need them in order to feel happy or achieve a sense of enlightenment.
An addiction to shrooms may develop, depending on a few factors. These include the length of time a person has used them, how often they take them and the amount of the dosages. By the time addiction takes hold, it becomes imperative to seek professional help to stop using them.
Side Effects of Shrooms
Users of psilocybin mushrooms often suffer side effects. Physical side effects may include:
- Increased heart rate
- Hypertension
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Feeling numb
- Chills
- Muscle spasms
Psychological side effects also may occur, including:
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Altered perception of reality
- Euphoria
- Psychosis
Are Mushrooms Addictive Gateway Drugs?
Many consider gateway drugs to be the first type of substance a person uses before potentially moving on to stronger drugs. Addictive gateway drugs include nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana. While a debate continues as to if other drugs can be added to that list, mushrooms are not widely considered to be gateway drugs.
The argument supporting that psilocybin mushrooms can be a gateway drug often revolves around the fact that many younger people do not understand how dangerous they can be. Teenagers and young adults often think about the harmful results that come from using street drugs like heroin or crack. They confuse mushrooms for being natural and not widely known for having a downside, which can make them likely to experiment with them before other substances.
Finding Help for Hallucinogen Abuse
If you or someone you care about has developed an addiction to shrooms, professional treatment can help. Both residential and outpatient programs offer help getting off hallucinogenic drugs and other substances. Many people benefit from taking advantage of residing in sober living homes to bridge the time between formal treatment programs and returning home.
Most addiction treatment programs also offer help for mental health issues. About half of all people who have a substance use disorder also struggle with at least one mental illness, making it convenient to receive care for both the illness and addiction at the same time. Abuse of psilocybin mushrooms can exacerbate existing mental health symptoms or even cause mental illness problems to develop. When this happens, a program that can help with this becomes important.
Psilocybin Mushroom Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles, CA
An addiction to psilocybin mushrooms is as potentially dangerous as addiction to any other drug. We understand how to help people stop using the shrooms and begin a life of recovery. If you have any mental illness concerns, we can provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan that improves your physical and mental health. If you are ready to talk to someone about getting help, call Riviera Recovery in Los Angeles, CA, or visit our admissions page today.
