How Psilocybin Mushrooms Affect You? Short and Long-Term Effects

The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can range from profound mystical experiences to challenging emotional journeys.

Let’s explore the short-term highs and the long-term effects of magic mushrooms on the mental and emotional well-being of individuals.

Psilocybin mushrooms, or "magic mushrooms," have been around for centuries. Recently, they’ve caught the attention of the scientific community for their potential in treating mental health issues, with some groundbreaking studies shedding new light on their possible therapeutic benefits.

Research funded by organizations like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has started to show how psilocybin could help treat conditions like depression and anxiety. In fact, a study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) showed that psilocybin, combined with therapy, helped reduce symptoms of depression in cancer patients, sometimes lasting for months.

Another fascinating study, published in PubMed Central, found that psilocybin can significantly reduce anxiety in people suffering from chronic illness, even helping them find peace and clarity.

Despite the promising results, psilocybin remains illegal in many places due to its classification as a Schedule I substance, which means it’s seen as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Psilocybin long-term effects are therefore important to understand.

When using shrooms, individuals experience alterations in perception, mood, and various cognitive processes.

However, the short-term effects can vary based on dosage, individual physiology, and the specific type of mushroom consumed.

The effects of shrooms can be influenced by the setting in which they are taken, the user’s mood, expectations, and prior drug experiences.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical short-term effects:

Visual and Auditory Hallucinations:

One of the most notable effects of psilocybin is the alteration of sensory perception. Users often experience enhanced colors, vivid patterns, or even hallucinations, where objects may appear to shift or move.

Distorted Time Perception:

Time may feel like it is moving slower or faster than usual. This can make moments stretch out indefinitely, or time may seem to fly by in an instant.

Euphoria and Joy:

Many users report feeling intense happiness, excitement, and a sense of connection to others or the world around them.

Anxiety and Fear:

On the flip side, it can cause heightened anxiety, paranoia, or fear. Some people may feel overwhelmed by their emotions, especially if they’re in an uncomfortable setting or not mentally prepared for the experience.

Nausea and Stomach Issues:

Nausea is a common effect, especially when mushrooms are consumed in larger doses. This can occur due to the natural compounds in the mushrooms or simply because the body is reacting to the unfamiliar substance.

Dilated Pupils and Increased Heart Rate:

Psilocybin stimulates the body’s serotonin receptors, leading to physical changes such as dilated pupils, a faster heart rate, and increased blood pressure.

Difficulty in Coordination and Balance:

Individuals may experience difficulty with motor skills or coordination, making them lose balance or be clumsy.

Changes in Thought Patterns:

Psilocybin can lead to introspective thinking. People may experience philosophical thoughts about existence, reality, or their place in the world.

Difficulty Focusing:

It can also make it harder to concentrate or stay focused, as thoughts may become disjointed or scattered. Some may also feel a sense of detachment or altered consciousness, where they feel disconnected from their bodies or surroundings.

Feeling Spiritually Connected:

Many report a sense of unity with nature, the universe, or other people, often describing a feeling of interconnectedness. This can be deeply spiritual or transformative.

Regular use of shrooms can result in long-term changes in personality, mood, and cognition. Some users report long-lasting changes even after a single use.

Although psilocybin is not considered addictive, users can develop a habit of frequent use, which can lead to increased tolerance.

There have been several scientific studies on the long-term effects of using shrooms.

Potential Benefits:

• Improvement in mood fluctuations: Research from NIH shows that psilocybin can lead to lasting reductions in depression and anxiety in individuals, especially those with chronic conditions like cancer.
• Personality changes: Studies suggest that psilocybin can increase openness and reduce neuroticism, leading to improved emotional well-being and better relationships.
• Cognitive and emotional growth: Positive effects on self-awareness, empathy, and emotional processing have been seen. Many also report lasting benefits even months after use.
• Treating mental health conditions in the future: Ongoing studies are investigating psilocybin’s potential in treating conditions like PTSD, addiction, and depression, providing more insights into its long-term impact.

Potential Risks:

• Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD): A Rare condition where users experience persistent visual disturbances long after the effects wear off.

Also, Read: Hallucinogens Addiction: Types, Effects and Treatment Options

• Psychological Distress: Psilocybin can trigger anxiety, paranoia, or even psychosis in some individuals, especially if used without proper support or in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.
• Psychological Dependence: While psilocybin is not physically addictive, there is a risk of psychological dependence, where users repeatedly seek the drug for emotional escape or altered states.
• Unpredictable Effects: The experience can vary widely based on individual factors, dose, and setting, making it difficult to predict the outcome. Some people may experience overwhelming or frightening thoughts.

Yes, overdosing on shrooms is possible, but it is highly unlikely to physically overdose on any of the currently identified species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms.

An overdose refers to taking more of a substance than the body can handle in one moment. Common symptoms of a psilocybin overdose include anxiety, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting, excessive sweating, flushing of the skin, delusional thinking, confusion, slowed perception of time, agitation, diarrhea, muscle weakness, panic or paranoia, psychosis, seizures, and coma.

However, these symptoms are very rare and are not life-threatening.

It is important to note that it’s not uncommon for poisonous or laced mushrooms to be misidentified as psychedelic shrooms. Consuming mushrooms that have been laced with other potent drugs can increase the individual’s chances of overdosing as well as dying.

Yes, the side effects of psilocybin mushrooms are often dose-dependent. Higher doses typically lead to more intense and longer-lasting effects, including physical and psychological symptoms.

For instance, at low doses, a user might experience slight mood elevation or subtle changes in perception.

Conversely, pronounced hallucinations, time distortions, and more intense emotional reactions might occur at high doses. It’s crucial to be aware of this relationship to ensure safe consumption and minimize potential negative experiences. You can also learn more about the detection windows of shrooms to understand how long the effects last.

Regular use of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to a tolerance build-up, necessitating larger doses for the same effects. This increased dosage requirement can elevate the risk of short-term and long-term side effects.

Users may experience fatigue, cognitive shifts, or mood alterations with consistent, frequent consumption over time.

Yes, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States. This means it is considered to have a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use, and is illegal to possess, distribute, or cultivate.

In some U.S. cities, there have been movements toward decriminalizing psilocybin. Cities like Denver, Colorado, Oakland and Santa Cruz, California, and Seattle, Washington have decriminalized the possession and personal use of psilocybin mushrooms.

This doesn’t make them fully legal, but removes criminal penalties for personal use.

These harm reduction tips and the safe use guidelines can help ensure a more positive and controlled experience with psilocybin mushrooms. Remember that responsible use is key to reducing risks and enhancing the benefits.

• Choose a safe and calm place to use. A familiar place with trusted people can help reduce anxiety and negative experiences.
• Don't start with large doses. Begin with a low dose (1-1.5 grams) to observe your response and avoid overwhelming effects.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals or alcohol to prevent nausea and dehydration.
• If you have mental health conditions, consider consulting a professional before using psilocybin to avoid negative psychological effects.
• Avoid alcohol and other drugs, as they can intensify negative side effects like confusion or nausea.
• A sober trip sitter can provide support if you experience anxiety or disorientation during the experience.
• Psilocybin is illegal in many areas, so understand the laws in your location before use.
• If you experience intense distress, seek medical or psychological support right away.