Yes, it is possible to overdose on shrooms, but the results of an overdose are not as fatal as those of synthetic drugs or other hallucinogenic substances. The question "Can you overdose on psilocybin?" is one that many people playing around with shrooms are concerned about. The problem is that unlike a synthetic drug that comes in pill form with the concentration written on the packet, people using shrooms don’t know the concentration of psilocybin in every mushroom, so it’s difficult to know how much has been consumed. This means that it’s hard for people to know when to stop consuming mushrooms to prevent an overdose.
What are Shrooms?
Magic mushrooms, or “shrooms”, are a naturally-occurring psychedelic substance with hallucinogenic properties. Its main active ingredient is psilocybin, and it’s a Schedule I drug, which means that it has a high potential for abuse but no known medical use.
People who consume mushrooms enter an altered state of consciousness where they are removed from reality. Their perceptions of time, touch, taste, smell, sound, and sight are also distorted. This sense of euphoria, well-being, and altered consciousness is pleasant in the short term, compelling people to use magic mushrooms again when the effects wear off. The mushrooms can be eaten either fresh or dried, placed in a tea, or mixed with food.
Shroom Overdose
If you or your loved one is addicted to mushrooms, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of an overdose so you can call for emergency services right away.
Here are some of the symptoms of a shrooms overdose:
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle weakness
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Delusions
- Coma
If you see someone exhibiting these symptoms, never leave them alone. Rather, call emergency services and let them know that you suspect the person is experiencing a shrooms overdose.
Side-Effects of Shrooms
Although the immediate results of consuming mushrooms are pleasurable and exciting, there are also adverse side effects when the euphoria wears off, as well as long-term damage to the brain and the body. Below are some negative side effects of using shrooms:
- Flashbacks
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Hunger pangs
- Mood changes
- Bad trip- A negative hallucinogenic experience, including scary flashbacks, extreme paranoia, and sudden mood swings.
- Hallucinogen-persisting perceptual disorder (HPPD)- Flashbacks, hallucinations, and psychosis that persist even after the drug has been removed.
Coming Down from Shrooms
After a hallucinogenic episode as a result of using mushrooms, the user will experience some uncomfortable effects and will need time to ‘come down’ from the euphoria and distortion. Some aftereffects that can linger are headaches, anxiety, depression, and severe exhaustion. The user should rest for as long as they need to ensure that these effects don’t escalate and hinder their everyday activities.
Another common lingering after-effect is flashbacks, which can occur even weeks after the last dose of mushrooms. Flashbacks can be extremely unpleasant emotionally, as the user recalls previous negative events- often linked to the last dose of mushrooms- in a vivid way. It should be noted that each flashback lasts for around a minute or two. It passes relatively quickly but is nevertheless painful.
Can You Die from Shrooms?
People often wonder, "Can shrooms kill you?" The good news is that a shroom overdose does not always lead to death. As mentioned above, it’s difficult to know when too many mushrooms have been consumed, but it is estimated that every mushroom contains about 1 percent psilocybin of its weight. Around 280 milligrams of psilocybin per kilogram of body weight can cause an overdose, so for an average person, 3 pounds of mushrooms would need to be consumed at one time to cause a fatal overdose.
Can Shrooms be Laced?
Illicitly sold mushrooms are sometimes regular mushrooms (not psychedelic) laced with other drugs like LSD or PCP. Alternatively, some people take shrooms together with alcohol. Doing so enhances the effects of the shrooms but also places the user in greater danger of overdosing or dying, as the negative side effects are also magnified.
People who take psychiatric medication to manage mental health conditions are at particular risk of worsening their condition if they take mushrooms at the same time. People with a history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other mental health disorders may enter a state of psychosis and have difficulty getting out of it.
It is also important to note that one can mistakenly consume poisonous mushrooms instead of the psychedelic strains, which can be fatal. Toxic mushrooms cause the user to feel extreme abdominal pain, vomiting, and other symptoms depending on the type of poisonous mushroom. There are more poisonous mushrooms in the wild than psychedelic ones, so users must be extremely careful to check that the shrooms they are consuming aren’t going to kill them.
What To Do if a Loved One is Using Mushrooms
Although it is not within your power to make a decision for or stop a particular action of another person, you may be concerned about a loved one’s misuse of shrooms and are wondering what you can do to help. There are several short- and long-term actions that you can take to support your loved one:
- During a bad trip, little can be done to stop it, but there are steps people around the user can take to lessen the uncomfortable experience. If you see someone exhibiting the signs of a bad trip, take them away from noise, bright light, and stimulation, and try to reassure and calm the user as much as you can until the episode passes.
- In the event of a suspected overdose, stay with your loved one until emergency services arrive. If there are samples of the mushrooms the user took nearby, ensure that the medical personnel at the hospital receive a sample so they can know what the user consumed.
- Research treatment options, such as therapies and rehab facilities for your loved one, in the event that they approach you for help. Remember that you are not a professional, and you cannot handle the addiction on your own. Refer your loved one to the experts in the field so they can get the care they need.
- Consider broaching the topic of addiction in a loving, non-judgmental way. Find a time when your loved one is not under the effect of shrooms, and mention in a kind and caring way that you are concerned about their use of shrooms and how it negatively affects their loved ones. It may take a few tries, but eventually, they may be open to getting help to recover from their addiction.
Try to create a safe space for your loved one to voice their concerns and share how they feel so they can approach you for help when they’re ready.
Treatment for Shroom Abuse
Shroom addiction is debilitating and oftentimes frightening. Today, there are many therapies, rehab facilities, and support groups available to help you or your loved one find sobriety for life. Reach out to Avenues Recovery today to start the journey that so many others have taken to happiness, peace, and a drug-free life. Our staff are highly trained and are experts in the field of addiction. They will stop at nothing to give you the help you need, because no one deserves to struggle with addiction on their own.
We use evidence-based therapies and personalized treatment plans to give you the smoothest journey to recovery. Our professional and caring addiction counselors have helped thousands of people reach sobriety and they can help you too! Take the courage to reach out to us today, and start your journey towards a happier, healthier and sober future.