Psilocybin Addiction Treatment
and Recovery in Chardon, OH
OVERVIEW: OHIO Psilocybin ABUSE & ADDICTION TREATMENT
There is a lot of confusion about whether Psilocybin, also known as “Shrooms” or “Magic Mushrooms,” is a harmful and addictive drug. It has recently been prescribed for certain conditions like depression, but only when all other prescriptive options have been exhausted. Even in these cases, Psilocybin is administered in very small doses (microdoses) and under strict medical supervision. This is due to the fact that, contrary to popular belief, Psilocybin can have both short and long-term effects on the brain.
Psilocybin is a hallucinogen that can also have dissociative effects on users. Research indicates that more than 30 million Americans regularly use hallucinogens, [1] but it is unclear exactly how many of these people use Psilocybin as their primary drug of choice. While researchers are split on whether or not Psilocybin has addictive properties, its repeated usage among adults indicates a larger pattern of addictive behavior. Importantly, Psilocybin is also responsible for thousands of hospital and emergency room visits every year.
At Prosperity Haven, we believe in discussing the real facts surrounding recreational drugs like Psilocybin. The best way to prevent or fight addiction is to stay informed. Below you can learn everything you need to know about Psilocybin (Shrooms/Magic Mushrooms), including what the drug is, how to know if someone is using it, as well as the long-term effects of Psilocybin abuse. Lastly, we will provide more information on our Psilocybin addiction treatment program that can help you or someone you love to start the path toward recovery.
What Is MDMA?
Psilocybin (pronounced sigh-luh-SIGH-bin) is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms (Psilocybin Cubensis), also known as “magic mushrooms.” They grow from Psilocybin spores, which are often sold on their own to growers and users of the drug. When ingested, Psilocybin is converted to psilocin, which is the active chemical responsible for its psychoactive effects. Psilocybin has been used for thousands of years in traditional spiritual and healing practices by indigenous cultures in Mesoamerica and other parts of the world.
The drug is also being studied for its potential therapeutic effects in treating mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Despite its potential benefits, Psilocybin is a controlled substance in many countries (including most states in the U.S.) and its use is generally illegal outside of approved research settings.
In the mid-20th century, scientists isolated the active ingredient in Psilocybin variants native to Mexico. For a brief time, companies were able to sell Psilocybin as a psychedelic medication. However, it didn’t take long before its negative effects caused the drug to be outlawed in most parts of the world. Despite widespread bans on the drug, its popularity grew in the late 1960s and 1970s. Though the mushroom is typically eaten to achieve the desired high, it can also be brewed in tea, or ingested as chocolate, gummies, or pills.
WHAT IS PSILOCYBIN?
WHAT IS PSILOCYBIN?Psilocybin (pronounced sigh-luh-SIGH-bin) is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms (Psilocybin Cubensis), also known as “magic mushrooms.” They grow from Psilocybin spores, which are often sold on their own to growers and users of the drug. When ingested, Psilocybin is converted to psilocin, which is the active chemical responsible for its psychoactive effects. Psilocybin has been used for thousands of years in traditional spiritual and healing practices by indigenous cultures in Mesoamerica and other parts of the world.
The drug is also being studied for its potential therapeutic effects in treating mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Despite its potential benefits, Psilocybin is a controlled substance in many countries (including most states in the U.S.) and its use is generally illegal outside of approved research settings.
In the mid-20th century, scientists isolated the active ingredient in Psilocybin variants native to Mexico. For a brief time, companies were able to sell Psilocybin as a psychedelic medication. However, it didn’t take long before its negative effects caused the drug to be outlawed in most parts of the world. Despite widespread bans on the drug, its popularity grew in the late 1960s and 1970s. Though the mushroom is typically eaten to achieve the desired high, it can also be brewed in tea, or ingested as chocolate, gummies, or pills.
Signs and Symptoms of Psilocybin Addiction
As previously mentioned, it is not entirely clear if Psilocybin has naturally addictive properties. This means that some people may be able to use the drug from time to time without becoming addicted, while others could become addicted after one use. Since Psilocybin is often combined with other drugs to enhance its effect, it could also lead to more severe addiction and even substantial health risks. Psilocybin can affect dopamine levels, [2] which means that it does have the potential to lead to a long-term substance abuse disorder. Additionally, it is very difficult to measure the dose and strength of Psilocybin, which makes it even harder to gauge the intensity of the high or even the risk of poisoning or overdose.
The signs of Psilocybin abuse are often easier to spot when someone is actively using the drug. After they have already come down and are no longer experiencing the short-term effects of Magic Mushrooms, it becomes much harder to detect behavior associated with abuse. In any case, here are a few of the most common signs and symptoms of Psilocybin use:
- Distorted sense of reality, particularly related to sight and sound
- Confused senses, including “seeing” sounds and “hearing” colors
- Altered sense of time (time usually feels much slower for the user)
- Stark and sudden changes in mood
- Dizziness and difficulty with movement
- Panic attacks
- Confusion
- Paranoia
- Reporting of numb sensations, particularly in the face
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Severe dry mouth
- Nausea
- Unnatural twitching and movements
- Excessive sweating
- Chills or shaking
It’s important to note that the signs outlined above can happen to someone who is using Psilocybin, even if they are not yet addicted. Addiction to Magic Mushrooms is harder to catch, but there are still red flags to look for:
- Consuming large quantities of Magic Mushrooms over an extended period of time
- Spending a disproportionate amount of time acquiring and using Magic Mushrooms
- Frequently talking about wanting to use Magic Mushrooms
- Failing to meet personal, academic, or professional obligations due to Magic Mushroom use
- Making dangerous choices while using Magic Mushrooms, like driving or caring for a child
- Showing a lack of interest in activities that the user previously enjoyed
- Refusing to reduce the use of Magic Mushrooms
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF Psilocybin Addiction
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF Psilocybin AddictionAs previously mentioned, it is not entirely clear if Psilocybin has naturally addictive properties. This means that some people may be able to use the drug from time to time without becoming addicted, while others could become addicted after one use. Since Psilocybin is often combined with other drugs to enhance its effect, it could also lead to more severe addiction and even substantial health risks. Psilocybin can affect dopamine levels, [2] which means that it does have the potential to lead to a long-term substance abuse disorder. Additionally, it is very difficult to measure the dose and strength of Psilocybin, which makes it even harder to gauge the intensity of the high or even the risk of poisoning or overdose.
The signs of Psilocybin abuse are often easier to spot when someone is actively using the drug. After they have already come down and are no longer experiencing the short-term effects of Magic Mushrooms, it becomes much harder to detect behavior associated with abuse. In any case, here are a few of the most common signs and symptoms of Psilocybin use:
- Distorted sense of reality, particularly related to sight and sound
- Confused senses, including “seeing” sounds and “hearing” colors
- Altered sense of time (time usually feels much slower for the user)
- Stark and sudden changes in mood
- Dizziness and difficulty with movement
- Panic attacks
- Confusion
- Paranoia
- Reporting of numb sensations, particularly in the face
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Severe dry mouth
- Nausea
- Unnatural twitching and movements
- Excessive sweating
- Chills or shaking
It’s important to note that the signs outlined above can happen to someone who is using Psilocybin, even if they are not yet addicted. Addiction to Magic Mushrooms is harder to catch, but there are still red flags to look for:
- Consuming large quantities of Magic Mushrooms over an extended period of time
- Spending a disproportionate amount of time acquiring and using Magic Mushrooms
- Frequently talking about wanting to use Magic Mushrooms
- Failing to meet personal, academic, or professional obligations due to Magic Mushroom use
- Making dangerous choices while using Magic Mushrooms, like driving or caring for a child
- Showing a lack of interest in activities that the user previously enjoyed
- Refusing to reduce the use of Magic Mushrooms
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Long-Term Effects of Psilocybin Abuse and Addiction
More research is needed to know the full risks of long-term Psilocybin abuse. Some studies indicate that Psilocybin can increase emotional and brain plasticity, [3] which could have a wide range of long term effects on behavior and emotional responses. Additionally, a large body of evidence shows that Psilocybin abuse is linked to issues with memories and memory recall. Users often report experiencing “flashbacks” even when they’re not using the drug. Despite being hallucinations, these flashbacks can seem quite real and put the user in danger, particularly if they are driving.
These flashbacks can also be a symptom of a more serious condition known as Hallucinogen-Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). This disorder affects patients who have had previous exposure to hallucinogens like Psilocybin. Even when a patient quits using the drug completely, they could still have sensory distortions that last for months or even years. HPPD can increase the chances that a Psilocybin abuser experiences increased anxiety, paranoia, and even psychotic episodes later in life.
However, we would be remiss if we did not take note of positive changes that can occur when Psilocybin is administered by a responsible medical professional in a controlled environment. A synthesis of many recent studies has shown that controlled Psilocybin microdosing can result in lasting, positive changes in personality, mental health, spirituality, anxiety, wellbeing, substance misuse, and mindfulness. [4] Sadly, the majority of Psilocybin use is not done under the care of a doctor, and is therefore much more likely to lead to addiction and negative effects like impaired memory and unwanted flashbacks.
Psilocybin Detox and Withdrawal
The hallucinating effects of Psilocybin generally kick in about 30 minutes after the drug has been ingested and can last for as long as 6 hours. As previously mentioned, Psilocybin does not possess many of the addictive properties of other recreational drugs, but it can very quickly lead to psychological dependence. If someone is abusing Psilocybin, they may require a detox and medical attention during the withdrawal process.
Users can build up a tolerance to Psilocybin in as a little as 4 days of repeated use. Therefore, if someone goes on a Magic Mushroom binge, they greatly increase their chances of becoming dependent on the drug and requiring higher dosages to achieve the same effects. Withdrawal, which is characterized by intense cravings for the drug, depression, headaches, and anxiety, typically begins within 24 to 48 hours. During this time, users may also feel some confusion and difficulty separating their hallucinations from reality.
Detoxing simply requires the person to be given time to “come down” from the high and withdrawal cycles in a safe environment. The length of time needed to detox from Psilocybin will vary based on how much the patient has taken and their tolerance level. That said, a Psilocybin detox is usually not as intense as detoxes from more addictive drugs, and the process can be completed in as little as 48 hours.
If you or someone you care about has been abusing Psilocybin and suffering from withdrawal, be sure to reach out to the professionals at Prosperity Haven for help as soon as possible.
LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF PSILOCYBIN ABUSE AND ADDICTION
More research is needed to know the full risks of long-term Psilocybin abuse. Some studies indicate that Psilocybin can increase emotional and brain plasticity, [3] which could have a wide range of long term effects on behavior and emotional responses. Additionally, a large body of evidence shows that Psilocybin abuse is linked to issues with memories and memory recall. Users often report experiencing “flashbacks” even when they’re not using the drug. Despite being hallucinations, these flashbacks can seem quite real and put the user in danger, particularly if they are driving.
These flashbacks can also be a symptom of a more serious condition known as Hallucinogen-Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). This disorder affects patients who have had previous exposure to hallucinogens like Psilocybin. Even when a patient quits using the drug completely, they could still have sensory distortions that last for months or even years. HPPD can increase the chances that a Psilocybin abuser experiences increased anxiety, paranoia, and even psychotic episodes later in life.
However, we would be remiss if we did not take note of positive changes that can occur when Psilocybin is administered by a responsible medical professional in a controlled environment. A synthesis of many recent studies has shown that controlled Psilocybin microdosing can result in lasting, positive changes in personality, mental health, spirituality, anxiety, wellbeing, substance misuse, and mindfulness. [4] Sadly, the majority of Psilocybin use is not done under the care of a doctor, and is therefore much more likely to lead to addiction and negative effects like impaired memory and unwanted flashbacks.
Psilocybin Detox and Withdrawal
The hallucinating effects of Psilocybin generally kick in about 30 minutes after the drug has been ingested and can last for as long as 6 hours. As previously mentioned, Psilocybin does not possess many of the addictive properties of other recreational drugs, but it can very quickly lead to psychological dependence. If someone is abusing Psilocybin, they may require a detox and medical attention during the withdrawal process.
Users can build up a tolerance to Psilocybin in as a little as 4 days of repeated use. Therefore, if someone goes on a Magic Mushroom binge, they greatly increase their chances of becoming dependent on the drug and requiring higher dosages to achieve the same effects. Withdrawal, which is characterized by intense cravings for the drug, depression, headaches, and anxiety, typically begins within 24 to 48 hours. During this time, users may also feel some confusion and difficulty separating their hallucinations from reality.
Detoxing simply requires the person to be given time to “come down” from the high and withdrawal cycles in a safe environment. The length of time needed to detox from Psilocybin will vary based on how much the patient has taken and their tolerance level. That said, a Psilocybin detox is usually not as intense as detoxes from more addictive drugs, and the process can be completed in as little as 48 hours.
If you or someone you care about has been abusing Psilocybin and suffering from withdrawal, be sure to reach out to the professionals at Prosperity Haven for help as soon as possible.
Psilocybin Detox and Withdrawal
The hallucinating effects of Psilocybin generally kick in about 30 minutes after the drug has been ingested and can last for as long as 6 hours. As previously mentioned, Psilocybin does not possess many of the addictive properties of other recreational drugs, but it can very quickly lead to psychological dependence. If someone is abusing Psilocybin, they may require a detox and medical attention during the withdrawal process.
Users can build up a tolerance to Psilocybin in as a little as 4 days of repeated use. Therefore, if someone goes on a Magic Mushroom binge, they greatly increase their chances of becoming dependent on the drug and requiring higher dosages to achieve the same effects. Withdrawal, which is characterized by intense cravings for the drug, depression, headaches, and anxiety, typically begins within 24 to 48 hours. During this time, users may also feel some confusion and difficulty separating their hallucinations from reality.
Detoxing simply requires the person to be given time to “come down” from the high and withdrawal cycles in a safe environment. The length of time needed to detox from Psilocybin will vary based on how much the patient has taken and their tolerance level. That said, a Psilocybin detox is usually not as intense as detoxes from more addictive drugs, and the process can be completed in as little as 48 hours.
If you or someone you care about has been abusing Psilocybin and suffering from withdrawal, be sure to reach out to the professionals at Prosperity Haven for help as soon as possible.
Psilocybin Detox and Withdrawal
Psilocybin Detox and WithdrawalThe hallucinating effects of Psilocybin generally kick in about 30 minutes after the drug has been ingested and can last for as long as 6 hours. As previously mentioned, Psilocybin does not possess many of the addictive properties of other recreational drugs, but it can very quickly lead to psychological dependence. If someone is abusing Psilocybin, they may require a detox and medical attention during the withdrawal process.
Users can build up a tolerance to Psilocybin in as a little as 4 days of repeated use. Therefore, if someone goes on a Magic Mushroom binge, they greatly increase their chances of becoming dependent on the drug and requiring higher dosages to achieve the same effects. Withdrawal, which is characterized by intense cravings for the drug, depression, headaches, and anxiety, typically begins within 24 to 48 hours. During this time, users may also feel some confusion and difficulty separating their hallucinations from reality.
Detoxing simply requires the person to be given time to “come down” from the high and withdrawal cycles in a safe environment. The length of time needed to detox from Psilocybin will vary based on how much the patient has taken and their tolerance level. That said, a Psilocybin detox is usually not as intense as detoxes from more addictive drugs, and the process can be completed in as little as 48 hours.
If you or someone you care about has been abusing Psilocybin and suffering from withdrawal, be sure to reach out to the professionals at Prosperity Haven for help as soon as possible.
Psilocybin Addiction Treatment Near Cleveland, OH
When people hear that a drug like Psilocybin doesn’t have inherent addictive properties, they often assume that it is completely safe to use. They also think that lacking addictive properties makes it impossible to become addicted to the drug. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Not only can you get addicted to Magic Mushrooms, but you can also experience life-long changes to your emotional wellbeing, memory, and brain function.
To make matters more complex, Psilocybin addiction is not as easy to detect as addiction to other substances. This can make recovery even more challenging, as many drug abusers need a loved one to take the first steps to get them help. Fortunately, you or someone you love can achieve sobriety and beat your addiction with help from our team at Prosperity Haven.
At Prosperity Haven, we offer a wide range of therapeutic services in a warm, welcoming environment that promotes peace and serenity. Plus, we ensure that patients can overcome their withdrawal symptoms and safely detox under the supervision of substance abuse experts.
Any kind of addiction, including addiction to Magic Mushrooms, can be a lonely and painful experience, but with our friendly, professional staff and holistic approach, you can achieve recovery in comfort. To learn more about Psilocybin addiction with Prosperity Haven, be sure to visit our contact page or call us today.
