You can smoke magic mushrooms, but it’s not advisable. The main psychoactive ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms is psilocybin, and its mind-altering effects are usually activated by eating rather than smoking. Smoking mushrooms, sometimes referred to as magic mushrooms, is not a common or effective method of mushroom consumption, since psilocybin loses most of its psychoactive properties when heated. Smoking shrooms not only eliminates their mind-altering effects, but also releases potentially hazardous fumes, making them unsafe for general use.
Eating psychedelic mushrooms is the most conventional and recommended method to experience their effects. This can be done by consuming them fresh, dried, or brewed into tea. When ingested, the body metabolizes psilocybin into psilocin, which interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to the psychoactive trips that users seek.
If you or a loved one struggle with shroom abuse, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery.
What Are Shrooms?
“Shrooms" is a street term for mushrooms containing psilocybin, a naturally-occurring psychedelic compound. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for centuries in various cultures as part of spiritual, religious, and shamanic practices. They belong to the genus Psilocybe plant family, which includes over 180 different species of mushrooms.
Psilocybin is a prodrug, which means that it is converted into its active form, psilocin, in the body. Psilocin interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perceptions, mood changes, and often hallucinations. The effects can vary widely, depending on factors such as the individual's mindset, environment, and dosage consumed. The appearance of magic mushrooms can vary, but they often have a distinctive cap and stem with colors ranging from white to shades of brown or purple.
The use of psilocybin mushrooms is illegal in many countries, as they are classified as a controlled substance. There are a few states in the United States which have legalized shrooms. There is a growing interest in researching the potential therapeutic effects of psilocybin, and some clinical trials are exploring its use in the treatment of conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
What Happens If You Smoke Shrooms?
You may wonder “Can you smoke psilocybin mushrooms?”, or ‘Can you smoke magic mushrooms?’. You can smoke shrooms if you so choose, but smoking them is not a good idea because the heat destroys the psychoactive properties, removing the desired euphoric effects. This not only defeats the point of using magic mushrooms, but also puts users at risk by breathing in the toxic smoke of the shrooms.
Smoking shrooms raises the risk of accidental poisoning or overdose. Unlike other substances that are commonly smoked, such as tobacco or cannabis, the dosage and effects of psilocybin are not well suited to inhalation. Individuals may miscalculate the amount needed to achieve the desired effects, leading to unpredictable and potentially overwhelming experiences. The lack of control over the dosage and the variability in potency among different mushroom strains can result in bad reactions like anxiety, paranoia, and even hallucinations that may be scary or harmful.
Dangers and Risks of Smokable Mushrooms
Smoking Mushrooms is a highly dangerous activity. Here are some of the potential dangers of smoking mushrooms:
Inefficient Activation: Smoking destroys the active compounds (psilocybin and psilocin) in magic mushrooms, rendering them ineffective for producing psychedelic effects.
Health Hazards: Inhaling smoke from burning mushrooms can introduce harmful byproducts into the lungs, causing respiratory irritation and potential long-term health risks.
Accidental Poisoning: Lack of knowledge of proper dosage for smoking may lead to miscalculations, resulting in unpredictable and potentially overwhelming experiences.
Variable Potency: Different mushroom strains vary in potency, increasing the risk of inconsistent effects and potential overdoses.
Unpredictable Reactions: Smoking shrooms can induce adverse reactions such as anxiety, paranoia, and distressing hallucinations due to the lack of control over dosage.
Legal Consequences: The use of magic mushrooms, including smoking, may be illegal in many jurisdictions, leading to legal issues and consequences.
Alternative Consumption Methods: Ingesting (eating or drinking) properly prepared mushrooms is a safer and more effective way to experience their psychedelic effects.
Help for Shroom Abuse
Below are common methods used to treat shroom abuse:
Medical Consultation:
Start by consulting with a medical professional, such as a family doctor or addiction specialist. They can provide an initial assessment of your health and substance use patterns.
Therapy and Counseling:
Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or motivational enhancement therapy (MET), can be effective in addressing substance abuse issues. Therapists and counselors specializing in addiction can provide support and guidance.
Support Groups:
Joining support groups, like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or other substance abuse recovery groups, can offer a sense of community and understanding. Sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges can be beneficial.
Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment Programs:
Depending on the severity of the shroom abuse, inpatient or outpatient treatment programs may be recommended. These programs often involve a combination of counseling, therapy, and support to help individuals overcome substance abuse.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment:
If there are underlying mental health issues contributing to substance abuse, seeking dual diagnosis treatment can address both the addiction and the co-occurring mental health conditions.
Hotlines and Helplines:
Various hotlines and helplines are available for individuals seeking immediate support and information. These services are often confidential and can provide resources for local treatment options.
Rehabilitation Centers:
Rehabilitation centers specializing in substance abuse treatment can offer comprehensive programs for detoxification, counseling, and ongoing support.
Support from Family and Friends:
Involving supportive family and friends in the recovery process can provide emotional support and encouragement.
Safety Tips for Smoking Shrooms
There are no safe ways to smoke shrooms, but if you’re dead set on it, here are some “safety” tips:
- Start with a small dose to avoid a dangerous psychedelic trip.
- If you choose to smoke shrooms, don’t hold the smoke in (to avoid inhaling toxins), and exhale fully.
- Have a sober buddy with you if you need help while on your shroom trip.
- Make sure you are in a good mood. If you go into your smoke in a bad mood, you could end up having a dangerous shroom experience.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dry mouth and help you come down from your psychedelic trip.
- Eat something beforehand to avoid stomach upset.
- Avoid mixing shrooms with alcohol or other drugs to ensure a safer psychedelic trip.
Shrooms Addiction Treatment at Avenues Recovery
If you or a loved one struggle with shroom abuse, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery. Our expert staff have helped over 40,000 individuals break free of their addictions, and they can help you too. Life with addiction is tough, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our caring and compassionate team will guide and support you every step of the way to recovery. Contact us today to begin your journey to the sober future of your dreams.