MAGIC MUSHROOM (PSILOCYBIN) ADDICTION
Searidge Foundation is an addictions treatment facility found in beautiful Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. Here, those battling substance abuse and addiction can receive high quality, evidence-based treatments. We strive to provide our patients with a combination of both conventional and alternative therapies to aid them on their road to recovery. At Searidge Foundation, patients can expect:
- Residential treatment for psilocybin dependence
- Psilocybin interventions
- Psilocybin rehabilitation
- SMART Recovery
WHAT IS PSILOCYBIN?
Psilocybin containing mushrooms (aka: magic mushrooms) can be found growing naturally in various places throughout the world. Historically, they had spiritual implications in Indigenous groups, however, they gained popularity among recreational users in the early sixties in tandem with the hippie movement, because of their hallucinogenic properties.
Magic mushrooms are endemic to every continent of the world and there are more than one-hundred identified species. As it happens, the largest density of psilocybin-containing mushroom growth is in North America. They are identified by their triangular-shaped caps and long, frail stems which renders them difficult to distinguish from other poisonous mushrooms. Individuals in search of psilocybin-containing mushrooms must do so with extreme caution.
Magic mushrooms are sold in a variety of manners: the most common being in a whole, dehydrated form. In some cases, they can be purchased as a grinded powder, allowing them to be insufflated (snorted). Most often, they are ingested raw or cooked, typically mixed in with food or steeped into a tea. Finally, a synthetic psilocybin can be created in illegal laboratories which is then sold as a powder or as a tablet/capsule.
WHAT IS PSILOCYBIN ADDICTION?
To date, the best scientific evidence posits that a physical dependence to psilocybin is not possible. Despite that, there is a small amount of evidence to suggest that individuals can develop a psychological dependence on the drug. In fact, it is possible to develop psilocybin tolerance which can drive further use, especially in the context of self-medication.
SHORT-TERM EFFECTS AND RISKS
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Inability to control urination
- Mood alterations
- Muscle weakness
- Drowsiness
- Impaired coordination
- Enhanced auditory, visual, and tactile sensory experience
- Heightened or altered perception of reality (e.g., colours more salient, objects begin to warp)
- Increase in visual acuity
- Possible synesthesia
- Heightened anxiety
- Panic attack
- Euphoria
LONG-TERM EFFECTS AND OVERDOSE
- Hallucinations
- Chronic change in mood
- Delusions
- Disconnected thoughts
- Risk of serious health effects when consumed with other drugs or alcohol
PHARMACOLOGY – HOW DOES IT WORK?
Users can expect to feel the effects of the drug 10 – 40 minutes after ingestion, depending on the individual. This can last between 2 – 6 hours and is contingent on a variety of factors (e.g., potency, individual’s tolerance level). Typically, the common dose of mushrooms ranges between 10 – 50mg of fresh mushrooms. When dehydrated, this equates to 1 – 5g. However, again, it depends heavily on the user, as each individual possesses a unique sensitivity to the drug.
Psilocybin affects an individual’s serotonergic system. It binds to serotonin receptors in the brain once it becomes metabolized to psilocin by the body. In turn, this produces the various side-effects associated with the drug. Typically, psilocin binds specifically to the 5-HT2A/C and 5-HT1C serotonin receptors. This accounts for both the hallucinogenic and mood altering effects of magic mushrooms.