Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are known for their hallucinogenic properties. For centuries, these mushrooms have been used to help induce mystical experiences. Nowadays, people still consume these kinds of mushrooms for almost the same reasons. Some still use it for mystical and spiritual experiences. Others consume for a psychedelic trip. This helps them relax as they drift along with their thoughts.
While shrooms have been used for quite some time now, there’s still much to learn about them. But, of course, we aren’t in the dark when it comes to these mushrooms. Science helped us understand that these mushrooms get their hallucinogenic properties from psilocybin. Studies also helped discover its potential as a possible alternative to depression medication. Despite all the things currently known about mushrooms, one must still exercise caution. Of course, this begs the question, can you die from shrooms?Â
What is Tripping on Psilocybin Mushrooms?
When a person goes on a mushroom trip, many things can happen. A big part of the trip involves sensory hallucinations in psychedelic mushrooms. The hallucinations contribute to the elevated state of mind experience. Â
These hallucinations make the experience spiritual for some people. It has been described as an out-of-body experience to some. In a sense, you’re drifting along with all your thoughts and watching things as they happen. Usually, this would be what people describe as a good trip.
But the existence of a good trip means that there is also a bad trip. A bad trip can happen for various reasons. Some of these include not being in a good state of mind. Taking a little more than you can handle is another reason. Not having someone to guide you through the trip can be one more.
When you experience a bad trip, you can begin to feel paranoid. Sometimes, people can have full-blown anxiety attacks. The hallucinations can also make you more uncomfortable and afraid. This can further worsen the trip, especially if there’s no one to help guide you away from a bad trip.
Physical side effects can also show besides those mental side effects. You can have an increased heart rate, and your blood pressure can shoot up as well. Headaches, nausea, and dilated pupils are other noticeable side effects. Muscle spasms and abdominal pain are also physical effects
How Do Magic Mushrooms Affect The Mind?
Psychedelic mushrooms are said to affect serotonin levels in the brain. Studies have already shown the effects of psilocybin on a brain with depression. It showed psilocybin acts in the same areas of areas like schizophrenia medication. This is why magic mushrooms can be a possible alternative treatment. This will greatly help those suffering from these kinds of mental illnesses.
There are also studies that psilocybin mushrooms have similar effects as antipsychotics. It stated that it has lasting effects compared to the current medication. This suggests a long-term effect psilocybin has on those who use it.
Given that it lasts longer on people’s minds, it can’t be helped by the effects it has long-term. This is both positive and negative. The NYU Psilocybin Cancer Anxiety Study may be proof of that. Terminally ill patients were given psilocybin in a controlled environment. Those who took it became more open and accepted their illness. While more studies still need to be done, this only shows that a long-term effect on the mind is possible.
A manifestation of traumatic experiences can also be a long-term effect. Persisting perception disorder, where hallucinations manifest even after the psilocybin has worn off.
Aftercare Programs
With the negative after-effects, a question arises: can you overdose on shrooms? Unfortunately, the answer to that is yes.
While you can’t die from shrooms, the side effects will still have an impact. This felt after a bad trip or an overdose. For those who are overdosing, seeking medical attention is definitely needed. This will prevent going into a coma, seizures, or any other medical condition.
Even if you don’t OD but are addicted to shrooms, seeking help would become the next best option. Being substance reliant will impact your life, especially with dependence on shrooms. The best aftercare is always through seeking therapy and/or rehab. This goes both with bad trips or due to addiction.
By getting professional help, you can help stop magic mushrooms’ effects on you. They can help wean you off these psilocybin mushrooms and help you get back on track. Shrooms may have also caused other physical and mental effects. It is healthy to seek medical help to deal with it properly.Â
Magic mushrooms still have consequences; despite that, it is a recreational drugs. First, there’s the possibility of experiencing a bad trip. This can be incredibly traumatic for some people. There are also some adverse side effects that you can experience. These effects can be long-term, like the hallucinogen persisting perception disorder.
Aside from that, these substances can also get very addictive because they can make you feel. This can then make you prone to substance abuse, leading to an overdose if you’re not careful. Being cautious is a must, especially in dealing with psychedelic mushrooms. We have much to learn from these substances. It is better to avoid them unless you know exactly how to handle these kinds of substances. So, when in doubt, don’t.
