Harm-reduction education crucial to prevent risks from psilocybin use

  • SOURCE ▸
    PUBLISHED
  • April 7, 2022
  • AUTHORS
  • Emma I Kopra, Jason A Ferris, James J Rucker
  • PUBLICATION
  • Journal of Psychopharmacology
  • TITLE
  • Harm-reduction education crucial to prevent risks from psilocybin use
  • Adverse experiences resulting in emergency medical treatment seeking following the use of magic mushrooms
  • KEY TAKEAWAY
  • Young age, poor mindset, poor setting, and mixing substances can increase the risk of adverse reactions with psilocybin-containing mushrooms, emphasizing the importance of harm-reduction education in preventing such effects.

The study "Adverse experiences resulting in emergency medical treatment seeking following the use of magic mushrooms" by Kopra et al. (2022) explores the relatively safe profile of psilocybin-containing mushrooms despite occasional reports of adverse reactions. The research involved analyzing data from the 2017 Global Drug Survey, focusing on individuals who sought emergency medical treatment after using magic mushrooms within the past year. Out of 9,233 respondents who used magic mushrooms, only 19 (0.2%) reported seeking emergency medical treatment, translating to a per-event risk estimate of 0.06%. These incidents were primarily associated with younger users and were mostly due to psychological symptoms such as anxiety, panic, and paranoia. Factors contributing to adverse reactions included poor mindset, setting, and mixing substances, although nearly all affected individuals returned to normality within 24 hours. This confirms the low risk of serious incidents associated with magic mushroom use, emphasizing the importance of harm reduction information to prevent adverse effects (Kopra et al., 2022).In the context of psychedelic harm reduction and public safety, the findings of this study are significant. They underline the importance of educating potential users about the risks associated with improper use settings, the dangers of mixing substances, and the heightened vulnerability of younger individuals to adverse experiences. The study's conclusion that psilocybin mushrooms pose a relatively low risk of serious harm, with incidents being rare and short-lasting, supports the argument for the implementation of informed harm reduction strategies rather than strict prohibition. These strategies could include providing clear guidance on the importance of 'set and setting,' the risks of co-consuming other substances, and tailored advice for younger users. Such information is vital for those exploring the use of magic mushrooms for recreational, spiritual, self-development, or therapeutic purposes, aiming to minimize risks and enhance the safety of these experiences.The insights from this research contribute to a broader understanding of psychedelic safety, highlighting the need for further research into the circumstances and predictors of rare but more serious physiological reactions to magic mushroom use. This knowledge is essential for developing effective harm reduction policies and practices that can help prevent adverse reactions and ensure the well-being of those choosing to use these substances.

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