Psilocybin risks include psychosis, heart attack, and unsafe use conditions

  • SOURCE ▸
    PUBLISHED
  • May 14, 2022
  • AUTHORS
  • Andreia Machado Brito-da-Costa, Diana Dias-da-Silva, Áurea Madureira-Carvalho
  • PUBLICATION
  • Handbook of Substance Misuse and Addictions
  • TITLE
  • Psilocybin risks include psychosis, heart attack, and unsafe use conditions
  • Psilocybin and magic mushrooms: Patterns of abuse and consequences of recreational misuse
  • KEY TAKEAWAY
  • While psilocybin, found in "magic mushrooms," generally has low toxicity and abuse potential, its consumption can lead to severe effects such as persistent psychosis and myocardial infarction, especially when used without a sober supervisor, in combination with other substances, or by individuals with certain medical histories.

Psilocybin, the primary psychoactive compound in "magic mushrooms," has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in the treatment of mental health conditions. However, alongside these potential benefits, the recreational misuse of psilocybin can lead to adverse effects, highlighting the importance of psychedelic harm reduction.Research indicates that while psilocybin is physiologically relatively nontoxic, its consumption can occasionally lead to adverse reactions. A study investigated the prevalence of magic mushroom-related adverse reactions that resulted in emergency medical treatment seeking, finding that out of 9233 past-year users, only 19 (0.2%) reported such incidents. These incidents were primarily characterized by psychological symptoms like anxiety, panic, and paranoia. Factors such as young age, poor "mindset" at the time of consumption, unsuitable "setting," and mixing substances increased the risk of adverse outcomes. However, it is noteworthy that serious incidents were rare and typically short-lived, and nearly all individuals returned to normality within 24 hours (Kopra et al., 2022).This research underscores the relative safety of psilocybin mushrooms compared to other substances, suggesting that adverse effects are generally mild and manageable. However, it also emphasizes the critical role of harm reduction practices in preventing these adverse outcomes. Educating users about the importance of appropriate "set and setting," avoiding mixing substances, and understanding the potential for negative psychological effects can significantly mitigate risks. Furthermore, this highlights the need for further research into psilocybin's therapeutic applications, ensuring that any potential medical use is approached with caution and comprehensive risk management strategies.In summary, while psilocybin presents promising therapeutic opportunities, its recreational misuse carries risks, primarily psychological in nature. The adoption of harm reduction strategies is essential in minimizing these risks, supporting safer use practices, and informing the ongoing exploration of psilocybin's potential benefits in a medical context.

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