Substances | 8 min read
Medically Reviewed By
On January 22, 2024
Written By
On January 22, 2024
Psilocybin mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, are naturally occurring fungi that contain psilocybin compounds that can be consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. Mushrooms influence the way your brain processes serotonin to temporarily alter a person’s mood, thoughts, and perceptions, which can include hallucinations, changes in mood, and altered thinking patterns.[1,2]
The effects of mushrooms typically begin within 30 minutes of being taken and can last for up to six hours.[3] Your experience with mushrooms can vary in several ways and depend upon several factors, including your individual tolerance, current mindset and environment, and your unique physiological makeup.
While the use of magic mushrooms is not commonly associated with fatal overdoses, there are significant risks, including the potential for poisoning, particularly if misidentified species are consumed, psychological distress, and exacerbation of pre-existing mental health conditions.
Although magic mushrooms are naturally occurring, there is no currently accepted safe dosage for psilocybin—or any drug of potential abuse.[4] The usage of any drug always carries risks, and magic mushrooms are no exception.
According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 8.5% of people in the U.S. had used psilocybin at some point in their life.[5] There are also currently several studies underway to explore the therapeutic potential of psilocybin as a tool for combating the symptoms of several mental health disorders. Still, there is a continuing need for further research and more information as to its benefits in this regard.[6]
Psilocybin is currently listed as a Schedule I substance per the Controlled Substances Act [7], meaning that it carries a high potential for abuse with no accepted safety standards or medical uses in treatment on the federal level. However, ongoing research is examining its potential therapeutic uses. Its legality can vary by jurisdiction regarding its use as a therapeutic tool.
After consuming mushrooms, you may experience:
It’s also important to emphasize that several different experiences are possible, as your environment, personality, and body chemistry can all affect the experience.
The concept of overdosing on magic mushrooms takes on a different quality when compared to traditional pharmaceutical substances or other illicit drugs. Consuming a large quantity of mushrooms containing psilocybin can lead to severe psychological distress, characterized by a ‘bad trip’ with intense fear or anxiety, and in rare cases, can result in harmful behaviors or accidents. Additionally, there is a risk of consuming toxic varieties of mushrooms mistaken for psilocybin-containing ones, which can have fatal physical consequences.
Furthermore, you may accidentally place yourself at risk if you are under the influence of mushrooms in circumstances that are dangerous or in which your altered state may lead to increased risk.
Mushroom overdose and mushroom poisoning are both potential risks of taking psychedelic mushrooms. These may be very different experiences, though. The risk of mushroom overdose is primarily psychological, resulting in paranoia, panic, and psychosis. People who mistake other types of mushrooms for psilocybin mushrooms face the additional risk of mushroom poisoning.
According to the National Center for Biotechnological Information, there are roughly 100 types of toxic mushrooms in the wild. [8]These mushrooms can be mistaken for edible mushrooms or magic mushrooms. Mushroom poisoning can result in various physical side effects ranging from uncomfortable to deadly. Side effects will vary depending on the type of mushroom accidentally ingested:
Some mushrooms, like death caps and funeral caps, can be deadly. These toxic mushrooms are easily mistaken for other types, including magic mushrooms. This is a significant risk associated with consuming shrooms, especially when the source is unknown.
Other types of poisonous mushrooms might not cause death, but they could still be associated with adverse effects. Examples of side effects from mushroom toxicity may include: [9]
Psilocybin is the chemical compound in magic mushrooms. When ingested, the body converts psilocybin to psilocin. Psilocybin is considered to have low physical toxicity. This means adverse physical side effects associated with many other illicit substances, such as heart problems or trouble breathing, are much less likely with psilocybin mushrooms.
Researchers believe that the amount of psilocybin mushrooms you’d have to take for a physical overdose makes it virtually impossible. You’d have to take 1000 times the typical dose or roughly ten kilograms of mushrooms. [10] This may make the drug appealing to young people or people who want to experiment with drugs. It’s a dangerous misconception that magic mushrooms are devoid of risk.
While psilocybin mushrooms have low toxicity, this doesn’t mean psilocybin is safe for use, though. Consumption of psilocybin can lead to an increased heart rate, which may be dangerous for people with existing heart conditions. High doses of psilocybin can lead to intense psychological symptoms such as panic, paranoia, and even psychosis. [11]
The risk of a fatal overdose with psilocybin mushrooms alone is extremely low. This risk increases significantly when mushrooms are combined with other drugs such as alcohol, cannabis, or opioids, for example.
Another serious and potentially life-threatening risk associated with psilocybin is the risk of accident or injury while under the influence of shrooms. People on magic mushrooms have been known to behave in unpredictable and erratic ways, endangering themselves and others. [12]
Psilocybin Overdose | Mushroom Poisoning |
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Research into the long-term effects of psilocybin-containing mushrooms is still in its infancy. Some studies suggest that controlled and guided use of these substances might have therapeutic potential, particularly in addressing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of psilocybin fully.
Any substance abuse inevitably comes with risks. Using magic mushrooms is no exception. High doses of magic mushrooms can lead to extreme anxiety and fear, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, and loss of muscle control, among other symptoms.
One of the most notable risks of shrooms is the risk of developing Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder, or HPPD. [13] This severe cognitive disorder sometimes develops after a “bad trip.” Symptoms of this condition include:
Symptoms of HPPD can last weeks, months, or even years after taking mushrooms.
HPPD isn’t the only serious risk of mushrooms. Vulnerable populations, including people with a family history of psychosis or psychotic disorders, may be at risk of severe psychological effects. [14] This could include a “psychotic break” or long-term mental health symptoms such as mania, aggression, and even suicide attempts.
Using magic mushrooms or psilocybin in a non-clinical setting can be dangerous or even life-threatening. Recreational use of psychedelic mushrooms is highly discouraged. If you or a loved one does take these hallucinogenic mushrooms, it’s important to know when distressing symptoms constitute a mental health crisis or medical emergency. Since mushrooms are typically taken alongside other illicit drugs, the overdose risk may be much higher in some cases.
Here are some examples of side effects or adverse reactions related to psilocybin mushroom overdose or poisoning that may warrant immediate medical attention from a healthcare provider:
Any of the signs above could be a sign of a drug overdose or mushroom poisoning. Call 911 and seek medical attention right away. You can also call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
Unlike substances that lead to physical dependence, mushrooms containing psilocybin are not considered physically addictive, as users do not typically develop a physical reliance on these mushrooms. However, there’s a possibility of developing a psychological dependence on mushrooms, where you may begin to seek out these experiences excessively.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), a person can be diagnosed with other hallucinogen use disorder if they meet at least two of the following criteria:[15]
Since no physical symptoms of withdrawal are established for psilocybin, this criteria is not included as it is for other substance use disorders.
Combining psilocybin mushrooms with other substances, whether they be legal or illicit, can result in several unpredictable interactions. The effects of both substances may be intensified, leading to heightened experiences that might become overwhelming. Mixing psilocybin with other substances can lead to increased anxiety, paranoia, or even other medical complications.
Combining alcohol and mushrooms can be a risky proposition. Alcohol intensifies the psychological effects of psilocybin, potentially leading to heightened emotional volatility and decreased control over your experience. Moreover, alcohol’s dehydrating effects can worsen the physical toll of a hallucinogenic experience, leading to potential medical complications.
Cannabis is another substance that some individuals may look to combine with psilocybin mushrooms to enhance their experience. However, as with alcohol, the combination of cannabis and mushrooms can amplify the intensity of the experience significantly. Such combined effects might lead to distortions of reality, increased sensory alterations, and a feeling of being overwhelmed by the experience.
You are not alone. If you’re struggling with mushrooms or other substance use issues, our team of compassionate and trained medical professionals is here to help you learn new skills and begin the recovery process. We offer a comprehensive outpatient program designed to provide the support you need while allowing you to maintain your day-to-day responsibilities. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact us today to start healing.
Psychedelics are in the same classification as hallucinogens and are psychoactive substances that produce mind-altering effects.
While some alternative applications are being explored, there is no currently accepted safe dosage for psilocybin at this time.
There are a number of ways to pay for necessary substance use treatment. From private pay and insurance to Medicaid and Medicare. To verify your coverage and determine what amount, if any, must be paid out of pocket, see here.
Here at Ascendant New York, we understand the importance of having access to accurate medical information you can trust, especially when you or a loved one is suffering from addiction. Find out more on our policy.
[1] Abuse, N. I. on D. (2023, April). Psychedelic and Dissociative Drugs. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/psychedelic-dissociative-drugs#what-are on August 25th, 2023
[2] Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (2020, October 7). ADF – Drug Facts – Magic Mushrooms, Psilocybin. ADF – Alcohol & Drug Foundation. https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/psilocybin/ on August 25th, 2023
[3] Psilocybin and magic mushrooms: Effects and risks. (n.d.). Www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308850#what-is-psilocybin on August 25th, 2023
[4] Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (2020, October 7). ADF – Drug Facts – Magic Mushrooms, Psilocybin. ADF – Alcohol & Drug Foundation. https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/psilocybin/ on August 25th, 2023
[5] Johnson, M. W., Griffiths, R. R., Hendricks, P. S., & Henningfield, J. E. (2018). The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act. Neuropharmacology, 142(142), 143–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.05.012 on August 25th, 2023
[6] Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research. (n.d.). Www.hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/research/psychedelics-research on August 25th, 2023
[7] WHAT IS PSILOCYBIN? WHAT IS ITS ORIGIN? What are common street names? What does it look like? How is it abused? What is its effect on the body? What is its effect on the mind? (2020). https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Psilocybin-2020_0.pdf on August 25th, 2023
[8] Hallucinogen-Related Disorders | Johns Hopkins Psychiatry Guide. (n.d.). Www.hopkinsguides.com. https://www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_Psychiatry_Guide/787099/all/Hallucinogen_Related_Disorders on August 25th, 2023