Hallucinogenic mushrooms

Narcology For relatives Types of drugs

Hallucinogenic or psilocybin mushrooms are a common herbal drug. They are a kind of poisonous mushrooms containing substances that affect the human psyche and cause various hallucinations (psychedelic trips). According to the criminal code of Ukraine, the possession and distribution of hallucinogenic mushrooms are prohibited by law, so they cannot be legally bought in Kyiv or other cities.

The first use of psilocybin hallucinogenic mushrooms can be intentional or accidental. Mushrooms are very similar in type of action to LSD. They do not provoke physical addiction but cause acute mental dependence.

What are hallucinogenic mushrooms and their types?

Hallucinogenic mushrooms are a variety of mushrooms containing a high concentration of a psychedelic that directly stimulates the psyche with a manifestation in the form of vivid emotions and sensations, as well as hallucinations.

There are two types of hallucinogenic mushrooms:

Amanita – very toxic and contain tryptamine, bufotenine, dimethyltryptamine, and sometimes muscarine. The muscimol contained in the mushroom cap provides a vivid hallucinogenic effect. When using fly agarics, there is a high risk of irreversible severe consequences or death. That’s why they are not used;
Psilocybe are practically non-toxic. The composition contains psilocin, which provides a pronounced hallucinogenic effect. They do not cause direct lethality in humans, so they are considered relatively safe for physical health.

Signs of using psilocybin mushrooms

Given the mechanism of action of psilocin on the human body, the signs of mushroom use are apparent and noticeable to others. The external behavior of “mushroom-eaters” is quite similar to that of people who have consumed a large dose of alcohol. The main features include:

Strong expansion of pupils;
Excessive activity, pronounced agitation, rapid movements of the limbs;
Dry mouth, constant thirst;
Chills, increased sweating, a feeling of trembling all over the body;
Uncontrolled urination, less frequent defecation;
Paranoid thoughts;
Convulsive phenomena.

MEDLUX specialists note that if a close person shows signs of using mushrooms, it is necessary to immediately get advice from a narcologist on further actions and treatment of a drug addict.

The impact of psilocybin on the body

Poisoning with hallucinogenic psilocybin mushrooms does not occur immediately but about an hour after consumption. The action of mushrooms on the body begins with a gradual excitation of the nervous system. A person can get lost in time and space (a feeling of slowing down or speeding up time).

Movements become inhibited, then hallucinations appear. An addict can see pop-up images of people or objects – this can cause the most unpredictable reaction: from excessive joy and happiness to “animal fear” and death. Frequent consequences of the effect of the action of mushrooms are suicide attempts.

Scientists on the healing properties of psilocybin mushrooms

Scientists have conducted many studies on the properties of hallucinogenic psilocybin mushrooms. Psilocin is a compound with a meager toxicity score and a powerful psychostimulant effect, which may positively impact the treatment of various mental illnesses.

Psilocin, found in hallucinogenic mushrooms, can improve autobiographical memories by enhancing the interaction of different parts of the brain – this can help in the treatment of people with dementia, as well as other problems associated with memory impairment. However, scientists in Kyiv note that using mushrooms in uncontrolled doses leads to acute mental disorders.

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Poisoning with hallucinogenic mushrooms – first aid

Poisoning with psilocybin hallucinogenic mushrooms poses a similar danger as an overdose of other drugs. Any attempt at self-treatment or untimely drug treatment is fraught with irreversible consequences, up to death.

In case of poisoning with hallucinogenic mushrooms, you must perform the following steps:

Call a narcologist at home or an ambulance explaining the reasons to the operator. As a rule, in Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine, an ambulance arrives within 15-20 minutes;
Give the addict a few glasses of water to drink, preferably to make him vomit – this will allow the stomach to be flushed;
If unconscious, lay the patient on their side and put a pillow under their head. The head should be turned on its side. It will prevent choking with vomit;
Provide fresh air to the room and wait for the doctors.

Hallucinogenic mushrooms – consequences of the use

The consequences of the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms, like other psychedelics, are very severe for a person’s physical and mental health. At the same time, deaths from an overdose are infrequent. Often inappropriate behavior caused by the effects of mushrooms on the psyche leads to death.

The most common consequences of using psilocybin mushrooms include increased anxiety, restlessness, dizziness, muscle weakness, bouts of nausea and vomiting, severe visual and auditory hallucinations, the development of acute psychosis, and loss of coordination of movements.

Treatment for hallucinogenic mushroom addiction

It is easier to treat addiction to hallucinogenic mushrooms than heroin or other psychophysical addictions. It is because psilocin does not cause dependence on the physical level, so the main emphasis is on working with the psyche of an addict. The basis of treatment is psychiatric consultations, group sessions, involvement of loved ones, and socio-psychological rehabilitation with subsequent support.

During personal sessions and visiting groups in the MEDLUX clinic, a psychologist determines the underlying causes of addiction to hallucinogenic mushrooms. They also find ways to eliminate a person’s craving for use in the future. The main task of treatment is to return a person to a normal life, where there is happiness, relatives, and work, but there is no place for drugs.