Even if the consumption of hallucinogenic mushrooms does not lead to real addiction, it involves serious risks to both physical and mental health.
There are more than 5000 species of mushrooms in French forests including about 200 considered hallucinogenic. Hallucinogenic mushrooms are mushrooms with psychotropic effects. It exists different names depending on the types of mushrooms. Their consumption is not legal in France. They are consumed for their hallucinatory effects but should not be overlooked their dangers and side effects about health. How long do the effects last hallucinogenic mushrooms? What are the risks ? Can we be dependent?
Definition: what is a hallucinogenic mushroom?
THE hallucinogenic mushrooms are mushrooms with psychotropic effectscontaining hallucinogenic compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin. At low doses, they alter perceptions, thinking and mood by inducing mild euphoria, while preserving the lucidity of the consumer. They usually cause real hallucinations in high doses and alter the perception of time and space with the feeling that time is slowing down.
What are hallucinogenic mushrooms made of?
There psilocybin East the main psychoactive substance in hallucinogenic mushrooms. After ingestion, psilocybin is transformed into a pharmacologically active form, psilocin, itself also present in the mushroom, but in a lower quantity. It acts directly on the brain, and in particular on serotonin, causing well-being but also hallucinations at higher doses. Another species of fungus, Amanita muscaria (fly agaric), causes delirium accompanied by hallucinations, but its main active agents are muscimol and ibotenic acid.
What are the names of hallucinogenic mushrooms?
Mushrooms containing psilocybin and psilocin are generally of the type Psilocybe, Panaeolus and Copelandia and there are more than 50 species. The fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) can also be used but it is particularly dangerous for health.
Are hallucinogenic mushrooms legal in France?
Hallucinogenic mushrooms are listed on the list of narcotics in France since 1990. Their possession, use, detention, transportation and collection are subject to criminal penalties. Prohibited for sale and consumption in France, they are sold over the counter in some countries such as the Netherlands. They come in the form of whole pieces, fresh or dried and are most often ingested raw, infused or cooked, and can also be smoked. Most consumers seek an introspective or mystical experience. Because of their psychotropic effects, it is advisable to consume them rather in groups with at least one responsible person who can monitor the effects and notify help if needed.
What are the health risks of magic mushrooms?
Depending on the dose, the consumer and the type of species consumed, hallucinogenic mushrooms cause side effects such as hallucinations:
- Visualswhich result in an intensification of colors, a kaleidoscopic vision, and a modification of forms,
- auditory with a sensation of increased hearing acuity, buzzing, and whistling,
- Tactile with increased sensitivity to touch,
- Synesthetics with a change in the perception of sounds that are seen, or images that are heard or felt.
In some people a strong anxiety manifests itself (the “bad trip”) with a state of malaise and intense agitation in the form of a panic attack. Dizziness, dizziness, digestive disturbances (nausea, abdominal pain), numbness in the limbs, increased body temperature with profuse sweating, rapid heartbeat, and elevated blood pressure may occur. manifest, making the experience unpleasant and requiring urgent medical advice.
Is it dangerous to take magic mushrooms?
Long-term use of hallucinogenic mushrooms can lead to risk of behavioral problems related to hallucinations and agitation. The user can then put himself in danger, fall or exhibit violent behavior. The risk of overdose is also not negligible, especially with fly agaric whose hallucinogenic dose is very close to the toxic dose. For some consumers, recurrent use may lead to paranoid delirium with a loss of contact with reality and self-harming behaviors or suicide attempts. Hospital care and drug treatment are then necessary.
What are the effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms?
Due to its direct psychoactive action on serotonin in the brain, hallucinogenic mushrooms cause mood elevation and hallucinations. They cause altered perception of reality through the five senses. Hallucinations can therefore be both tactile, auditory, and synesthetic, leading to a change in the perception of his body and his environment. The effects disappear immediately after the mushrooms are digested and eliminated. The effects on the body of hallucinogenic mushrooms mainly concern digestion with risks of nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. The effects are directly dependent on the dose ingested and the consumer’s digestion. However, the psychotropic dose is often very close to the toxic dose, which can lead to a deadly risk. It is therefore best to always start with the smallest dose and increase gradually at least one hour after the first ingestion to avoid an overdose.
How long do the effects of magic mushrooms last?
The effects appear approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour after ingestion. They last up to 12 hours depending on digestion.
Can you be addicted to hallucinogenic mushrooms?
Consumption of hallucinogenic mushrooms does not lead to physical dependence or addiction. However, some users may exhibit tolerance to psychedelic effects with the need to increase doses to achieve the same effect. No withdrawal syndrome is observed after the end of the effects, the consumer returns to his usual state.
If mushroom consumption becomes problematic due to frequent consumption or its consequences (financial, endangerment, conflicts, etc.), it is possible to find help from an addictologist, in private practice, at the hospital or in the CSAPA (Centres for Care, Support and Prevention in Addictology). Psychological follow-up is always advised. Some therapies such as CBT (Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy) have proven themselves in this type of problem.
Before consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms, it is preferable to take certain precautions such asavoid eating within 6 to 8 hours before taking because the effects can then be delayed and cause nausea and vomiting with the food bolus. Moreover, it is preferable to do not mix several products together and always leave 24 hours between each consumption. Due to the increase in body temperature, it is best to dress lightly and stay well hydrated. Finally, consumption should always be considered in a group, surrounded by trusted people who have not consumed.
In case of questions, do not hesitate to contact Drugs info service 0800 23 13 13 (every day from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., anonymous and free call)