Psilocybin Addiction Treatment

Psilocybin: Magic Mushrooms

Many people may not be aware that hallucinogens have been around for thousands of years, one of the oldest being psilocybin which is derived from magic mushrooms. Historically, hallucinogens were used in religious and spiritual practices, not for recreational use. Now, while there is still some spiritually legitimate hallucinogenic use today, most use has primarily shifted to recreational. This shift has brought with it a surge of hallucinogen use disorders, as well as a greater need for better treatment options for psilocybin addiction.

Psilocybin mushrooms have been illegal since the 1970s when recreational use became popular. Most users take psilocybin seeking a euphoric sensation that it can sometimes induce. Psilocybin mushrooms are typically eaten dried or fresh, but are also commonly put in tea. Some users will bake it into other foods. Depending on the amount of mushroom consumed, it can take 30 minutes to a few hours before the hallucinogenic takes effect. The immediate effects of the chemical generally lasts three to six hours, but in certain cases, effects can continue for up to three days. The drug’s potential euphoric sensation and relaxing possibility often cause individuals to misuse psilocybin mushrooms.

Shrooms’ Effects: Short and Long-Term Effects of Mushrooms

The experiences while on the drug, also known as shroom trips, are unpredictable. Users often experience both good and bad trips. Users typically seek the more pleasant symptoms associated with the drug:

• Relaxation
• Floating sensation
• Hallucinations
• Decrease of inhibitions
• Altered perception
• Elevated mood
• Psychosis
• Altered perception of reality
• Sensation confusion: believing to hear sights and see sounds

Luckily, the drug’s negative side effects are not as life-threatening as others. However, it is common to experience these negative and distressing effects of psilocybin:

• Nausea
• Panic
• Paranoia
• Insomnia
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Chills
• Muscle spasms
• Increased perspiration

In addition to these common side effects, there are occasionally more drastic effects. Some users have reported feeling pain while hallucinating or acting out violently. There can also be negative, long-term damage from mushrooms. Users can experience traumatic and disturbing hallucinations that can cause paranoia for the rest of their lives. Some users also continue to experience psychosis years after using psilocybin. After significant use over a longer period of time, users can have flashbacks to hallucinations. Additional research also suggests that the hallucinogenic can alter a user’s personality even after just one use.

Recovery from Psilocybin Mushrooms

Many of these effects are serious and distressing. But it can be easier to stop psilocybin use compared to other drugs. Since the body doesn’t become physically dependent on the drug, it is safe for a user to immediately stop consuming mushrooms. Users may go through a period similar to withdrawal. They may struggle to cope with reality while their brain recovers from the altered reality they’ve been experiencing on psilocybin. It’s also common to feel exhaustion and irritability.

What Does Addiction Treatment Look Like at PRC?

The Phoenix Recovery Center offers therapy, rehab, and treatment for those who struggle with psilocybin mushroom abuse. If the situation is serious, the patient can use our Inpatient Residential Program, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) Day Program or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). For less severe cases, we also offer our General Outpatient Program (GOP).