Are psilocybin mushrooms addictive? An image of magic mushrooms in a lab.

Magic mushrooms are increasing in popularity here in the UK. It’s a natural substance that has a natural psychedelic compound called psilocybin. When people take psilocybin, they often experience changes in their thoughts, feelings, and perceptions.

These mushrooms have actually been used for centuries in various cultures for spiritual and religious purposes. But today, many people wonder if they are addictive. Find out more below.

What Are Psilocybin Mushrooms?

Psilocybin mushrooms are a type of mushroom that contains the psychedelic compound psilocybin. This is a naturally occurring substance that can cause hallucinations and other changes in the mind. When someone eats these mushrooms, they might see, hear, or feel things that are not really there. This is often called a “trip.”

People use psilocybin mushrooms for different reasons. Some use them to have fun and explore their minds. Others use them for spiritual or religious experiences.

Recently, researchers have been studying the psychological effects of psilocybin mushroom use to see if it can help treat certain mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.

How Common Are Magic Mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms aren’t typically spoken about as much as other drugs, but use is extremely common. This is especially true here in the UK.

It’s estimated that psilocybin magic mushrooms were used by over 260,000 people across the UK over the last year, which is an increase of 38.4% from the year before. The popularity seems to be amongst the adults that fall within the age range of 40+, but drug abuse of this substance is still also growing amongst those aged 16 to 24 years old.

When compared to other substances and other types of hallucinogenic and dissociative drugs, abusing psilocybin mushrooms is still quite low. But the key thing to remember is that it is growing.

Are Psilocybin Mushrooms Addictive?

One of the big questions people have about psilocybin mushrooms is whether they are addictive. Addiction means that a person feels a strong need to keep using a substance, even if it causes severe problems in their life.

According to research, psilocybin mushrooms are not considered to be physically addictive. Well, in the context of the substance, it does not lead to any physical withdrawal symptoms.

So, what this means is that people do not usually develop a physical dependence on these mushrooms. Physical dependence happens when the body gets used to a substance and needs it to feel normal.

However, this does not mean that psilocybin mushrooms are completely risk-free because the ability to develop a psychological addiction is still very much possible. Plus, those who consume magic mushrooms often will likely build up a physical tolerance to the drug, meaning they’ll need more of it to achieve the same effects.

Why Are Magic Mushrooms Not Physically Addictive?

There are a few reasons why psilocybin magic mushrooms are not physically addictive, with the first one being substances that are physically addictive often cause withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using them. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable and make people want to use the substance again to feel better. Psilocybin mushrooms do not cause significant withdrawal symptoms or any cravings, so people do not feel a physical need to keep using them.

The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can also be very unpredictable. Sometimes, people have positive and enjoyable experiences, but other times, they can have bad trips. These bad trips can be frightening and unpleasant, which can discourage frequent use for some people.

Can People Consume Magic Mushrooms Legally in the UK?

No – substance abuse of magic mushrooms is currently illegal in the UK. It’s also a Class A substance, which means it falls into the category of drugs that carry the longest prison sentence and biggest fine potential.

It’s not just psilocybin magic mushrooms that are a class A substance. The government believes that drugs with strong mind-altering effects can be dangerous and cause harm to people and society, so this also includes the likes of crack cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, LSD, methadone, and crystal meth.

Here are a few other reasons why magic mushrooms are classified this way:

  • The health risks: They can cause strong hallucinations, making people see, hear, or feel things that are not real. This can lead to accidents or dangerous behaviour.
  • Mental health concerns: Using these mushrooms can sometimes lead to mental health problems, such as anxiety or psychosis, especially in vulnerable people.
  • Control: By making them illegal, the government aims to reduce their availability and use, which they believe will help protect public health.

Because of these reasons, the law in the UK treats magic mushrooms seriously, and possessing or selling them can lead to severe penalties.

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