Unfortunately, because of the way that magic mushrooms (containing the psychoactive ingredient psilocybin) are currently discussed and their use is perceived, many people do not believe that there is such a thing as magic mushroom addiction. However, truth be told that psilocybin mushroom addiction is real and interfering with the lives of individuals everywhere.
The way that psilocybin magic mushroom addiction is currently being either ignored or minimized in the public sphere is concerning. Those with a psilocybin mushroom addiction need professional help. Whether it is via a residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or general outpatient treatment program, the choice must be made for the recovery process to begin.
Yes, Psilocybin Magic Mushroom Addiction Is Real
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that “According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 40.3 million Americans, aged 12 or older, had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year.” Have no doubt, magic mushroom addiction lies within this category.
In addition, the CDC explains that “SUD diagnosis can be applied to the following classes of drugs: alcohol; cannabis; hallucinogens; inhalants; opioids; sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics; stimulants; tobacco (nicotine); and other (or unknown) substances.” Hallucinogens are high on the list. In other words, this includes psilocybin mushrooms.
On the one hand, it is true that magic mushroom addiction rarely manifests through physical symptoms. However, magic mushrooms can certainly inform what is referred to as “psychological addiction.” Furthermore, this type of addiction can cause just as many devastating effects as other, more common substance addictions.
What Does Psilocybin Mushroom Addiction Look Like?
While there may not be as many visibly physical side effects or symptoms of magic mushroom abuse, often there are very similar addictive behaviors that can be detected. This is because all forms of addiction, physical or not, still have the same psychological components.
An individual may be struggling with a psilocybin mushroom addiction if they:
- Become more secretive and isolated in their behaviors
- May have once used psilocybin mushrooms “recreationally,” but now hide their use and use them alone
- Begin to exhibit signs of withdrawal both when they do not have psilocybin mushrooms, but also when they feel that they are unable to acquire them
- Experience some lasting physical side effects, like prolonged loss of coordination
- Start struggling in their school, home, or work life, without any other external explanations
- Experience extended periods of detachment from reality
What Are Some Treatment Options for Psilocybin Mushroom Addiction?
Because magic mushroom addiction is minimized, treatment for mushroom addiction is minimized as well. However, when addiction takes hold – regardless of how it manifests or if it is an addiction of process or one to substances – it must be treated promptly and properly.
There are many treatment options for magic mushroom addiction. The primary four options include residential treatment programs, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and general outpatient treatment programs (GOP).
Now, while it is true that many people struggling with psilocybin mushroom addiction stick with outpatient programs, some need more closely monitored care. This is when making a treatment choice between residential and PHP becomes important.
Residential Treatment Programs
The residential treatment program exists for those individuals that need the most care right away. This often comes after a detox takes place.
However, many people that are struggling with psilocybin mushroom addiction do not require a medical detox because they do not have a physical dependence on the substance. However, this does not mean that a residential treatment program is not the way to go.
This is especially true for those individuals that are struggling with other co-occurring disorders, which is very common for individuals with SUD. Now, for those individuals who may not need such immediate close care, a PHP may be the best option to kickstart their recovery process.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
A PHP can be ideal for individuals that still need a close level of care but also have the ability to capably function in their everyday lives. Additionally, this program can be helpful for those individuals that have gone through a full residential treatment program and are transitioning down to the next tier of recovery.
Moreover, a PHP can also be very helpful as an individual creates a recovery community outside of the treatment center. Because the key is long-term recovery, having a long-term community plan after leaving the recovery center is crucial.
The Importance of Customized Care at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Whether it is magic mushroom addiction or another form of mental health disorder, we here at The Phoenix Recovery Center look beyond the diagnosis and focus on the individual. By doing so, we can create a customized recovery plan that ensures the best opportunity for long-term success.
Certainly, magic mushrooms become much less “magical” when addiction takes hold. However, that doesn’t mean that the magic of life can’t return. In recovery, the chance to have a magical life becomes very real, and it is not synthetic magic. It is one that comes from being empowered and releasing the individual magic within each of us. For more information on psilocybin addiction treatment, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
