Psychedelic Mushrooms – History, Effects, and Dangers

There are a variety of mushrooms which have euphoric and mind-altering effects on consumers. The most common of these are called psilocybin, or psychedelic mushrooms. Though it is not physically habit-forming in the same ways as opiates, cocaine, or alcohol, this fungus can still be extremely dangerous and psychologically addictive. It is crucial for communities to better understand these mushrooms and their effects in order to prevent their use and abuse.

The history of psychedelic mushrooms is even longer than that of opium or coca leaves, as prehistoric rock paintings in Africa appear to depict their consumption. Many archaeologists believe that these paintings show shamans using the mind-altering fungi for spiritual purposes. Furthermore, historians believe that people in South and Central American cultures have used these mushrooms for thousands of years for religious and medicinal reasons. As is the case with many drugs, mushrooms carried little or no taboo in ancient times.

The use and social acceptability of mushrooms have changed drastically over the last several hundred years. Spanish missionaries attempted to end their use, claiming that they allowed native South Americans to communicate with the devil. Though some cultures still use them medicinally, they are now illegal in the United States and tend to invite most of the same social criticisms as other drugs.

The effects of ingesting psychedelic mushrooms vary among users. Many people report enhanced or altered experiences of colors and sounds. Artwork and music become increasingly clear and vivid. Some people even hallucinate and experience visions of people and things which are not physically present. Overall, people’s experiences with mushrooms seem to be dependent on their environments. Users who consume mushrooms in stressful settings experience “bad trips,” while those who ingest them in comfort often report euphoric experiences.

Though many people perceive these types of effects as positive, eating psilocybin mushrooms can be extremely dangerous. Many users report increased fear and paranoia even months after one ingestion. People who grow their own mushrooms risk the consumption of mold, a substance which often contains poisons and harmful bacteria. Finally, some unfortunate users experience a “bad trip” – frightening hallucinations and a disconnection from reality which can last for months or even years. People who have had these bad trips sometimes experience flashbacks while sober, further disconnecting them from reality.

It is true that mushrooms are far less likely than other drugs to lead to dependence and physiological addiction. Tolerance to psilocybin typically only lasts one to four days. However, the disconnection from reality which mushrooms provide induces psychological addiction in many users, especially those with difficult life circumstances. People who want to escape their lives often fall into an addictive cycle of depression and euphoric “trips.” Like people with physical dependencies on drugs, they constantly crave their next highs and ignore the severe consequences of a life of substance abuse.

If you are struggling with addiction to mushrooms or other drugs, use the links at the bottom of your screen today for a toll-free consultation. Our dedicated addiction specialists are standing by to guide you on the road to recovery.

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