Updated on October 1, 2020
Psilocybin Mushrooms are a fairly common drug in use today. Also known as “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms” this psychedelic drug is known to have existed for thousands of years in human culture. The earliest depictions of use of mushrooms date back as far as 9000 years ago in the Saharian culture appearing in early cave wall imagery. Mushrooms are in the psychedelic family of drugs and create a sense of loss of reality when taken.
What are “Magic Mushrooms”?
Magic mushrooms are a naturally occurring drug of the Psilocybin family. There are as many as 190 various types of Psilocybin mushrooms that exist in nature. The chemical itself is generated by the various types of mushrooms within the species. Each type will contain a varying amount of the drug itself which is known to cause effects such as hallucination, loss of time, loss of grip on surrounding and reality, as well as panic attacks and anxiety. The drug is typically eaten by the user and depending on body weight and metabolism can have varying effects from user to user.
What are Common Signs of “Magic Mushroom” Use?
- There are a number of signs that may indicate your child or teen is on magic mushrooms. While it is not easy to identify the signals there are new things that may stand out.
- Dilated pupils and sensitivity to light may occur with mushroom use
- Behavior traits including paranoia and extreme anxiety
- Inability to effectively speak or communicate including talking about nonsensical topics
- Apparent loss of basic motor skills including walking and basic interaction
- Signs of distraction and confusion Given the psychotropic nature of the drug itself the above symptoms can be fairly common among users. While these are not all of the signs of use they can be an indication of abuse of psilocybin.
What are Some of the Dangerous Side Effects of “Magic Mushrooms”?
Perhaps the most common and most dangerous side effect of mushroom use is mistaken identity. In the most serious cases of potentially lethal use of the drug, the mushroom was actually mistaken as a much more poisonous and potentially lethal mushroom due to the similarity in appearance. In addition, there are a number of similar mushroom types such as the Galerina venenata and Galerina autumnalis which are very close in appearance and potentially lethal.
In addition, as with any psychedelic drug, use of the psilocybin mushroom can enhance potentially damaging mental states in teenagers and adults alike. Severe paranoia and advancement of preexisting mental health conditions can result from the use of shrooms. In some cases, these side effects can be potential physically harming both the user and others around them. Loss of reality and increase in depression and suicidal thoughts can be a direct result of the use of psychotropic hallucinogenic drugs.
