Psilocybin Addiction Treatment

Psilocybin: Magic Mushrooms

Many people may not be aware that hallucinogens have been around for thousands of years, one of the oldest being psilocybin which is derived from magic mushrooms. Historically, hallucinogens were used in religious and spiritual practices, not for recreational use. Now, while there is still some spiritually legitimate hallucinogenic use today, most use has primarily shifted to recreational. This shift has brought with it a surge of hallucinogen use disorders, as well as a greater need for better treatment options for psilocybin addiction. Psilocybin mushrooms have been illegal since the 1970s when recreational use became popular. Most users take psilocybin seeking a euphoric sensation that it can sometimes induce. Psilocybin mushrooms are typically eaten dried or fresh, but are also commonly put in tea. Some users will bake it into other foods. Depending on the amount of mushroom consumed, it can take 30 minutes to a few hours before the hallucinogenic takes effect. The immediate effects of the chemical generally lasts three to six hours, but in certain cases, effects can continue for up to three days. The drug’s potential euphoric sensation and relaxing possibility often cause individuals to misuse psilocybin mushrooms. 

Are Shrooms Addictive?

The addictive effects of psilocybin are often underestimated because it is not considered a physically addictive substance. Since it is easy to build a tolerance to the drug, frequent users require large doses to have any effect. This typically discourages addictive use. However, a shroom user can become psychologically dependent on the drug, which can give users similar destructive behavior to a physical addiction. Many users will also combine psilocybin use with other drugs, such as LSD, leading to further psychological dependency. 

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration recognizes psilocybin as a Schedule I controlled substance. Substances in this category are considered to have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” Heroin and LSD are examples of other Schedule I drugs. 

While there are many types of hallucinogens, there are actually three defined overarching categories. These include:

• Psychedelic drugs, such as magic mushrooms
• Dissociative drugs, such as PCP
• Other hallucinogens, such as MDMA and salvia 

Regarding psychedelic drugs like psilocybin specifically, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines them as “[illicit drugs] that “mainly interact with specific receptors, which are molecular structures in the brain. Known as 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (5-HT) receptors, these are targets for the neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) serotonin.” Further, “at certain doses, psychedelics may bring on vivid visions or sensations, alter a person’s sense of self, and promote feelings of insightfulness or connection.” To break it down in more basic terms, “psychedelic” drugs are substances that alter perception, often informing intense audio and visual hallucinogenic states of mind.

Now there are many people out there that do not understand the dangers of psilocybin abuse. This is not surprising, as popular culture has been promoting the use of magic mushrooms as “enlightening” and relatively harmless for over half a century, specifically since it was highly promoted by the counterculture of the 1960s. However, what they didn’t know then, they certainly know now. Truth be told, hallucinogens like psilocybin can cause serious consequences and psychological addiction.

The Phoenix Recovery Center offers therapy, rehab, and treatment for those who struggle with psilocybin mushroom abuse. If the situation is serious, the patient can use our Inpatient Residential Program, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) Day Program or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). For less severe cases, we also offer our General Outpatient Program (GOP).