Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly referred to as “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms,” have become hugely popular in the past few years due to their psychedelic properties and medicinal uses. Psilocybin, the active compound present in these mushrooms, produces a state of changed consciousness, brilliant visual phenomena, and a sense of euphoria. Although many people consume psilocybin for pleasure or medicinal reasons, the first question that pops up in one’s mind is: Can you die from shrooms?
In this article, we’ll explore the potential dangers of using psilocybin mushrooms, discuss the risks involved, and highlight important safety considerations for those thinking about using them.
The Basics: What Are Psilocybin Mushrooms?
Psilocybin mushrooms are a type of fungi containing the psychoactive compound psilocybin. Psilocybin is metabolized to psilocin in the body after ingestion, and this then acts on the serotonin receptors of the brain to produce psychedelic effects. For centuries, psilocybin mushrooms have been used by native cultures for religious ceremonies, and now they’ve been a subject of interest in contemporary medicine for their possible therapeutic applications for the treatment of conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
But, as with any psychoactive, there are risks to taking psilocybin mushrooms. So, let’s explore the possible risks, starting with whether psilocybin mushrooms can actually cause death
Can you Die From Shrooms?
Though the concept of death from magic mushroom ingestion is terrifying, the only death caused by psilocybin is extremely low. Psilocybin mushrooms, as research has shown and experts attest, have a very low toxicity score, and they are not physically toxic as most other drugs that are used recreationally. They do not cause lethal overdoses like many harmful substances such as opioids or alcohol.
The Low Toxicity Of Psilocybin
Psilocybin has a wide margin of safety, and fatal toxicity is essentially nonexistent. In fact, there have been few reported deaths attributed solely to psilocybin mushrooms. Studies indicate that the LD50 — the dose that is needed to kill 50% of the population — of psilocybin is extremely high compared to the typical dose consumed recreationally. For example, a standard dose of psilocybin mushrooms would be 1 to 3 grams, whereas the dose required to induce potentially lethal toxicity would be far greater, several times greater than the amount most people would ever take.
Secondly, psilocybin mushrooms are not so much of a menace in physical toxicity compared to some other drugs (for example, alcohol poisoning or heroin overdose). Psilocybin can be metabolized by the body relatively well, and it is usually innocently excreted.
The Indirect Risks: Psychological And Behavioral Hazards
Although death from shroom usage is extremely improbable, there are secondary dangers that can occur as a result of their usage, particularly in terms of the psychological aspects. Psychedelic experiences tend to get out of hand, and sometimes they will culminate in dangerous behavior or psychological breakdowns.
Dangerous Behavior During A Trip
One of the most dangerous risks of using psilocybin mushrooms is the risk that users become irresponsible or harmful to others during their use. For instance, users might develop impaired judgment, perceive reality differently, or become numb to their environment, which causes them to suffer from accidents like falling, drowning, or vehicle accidents. Although these occurrences are not normally produced by the drug’s toxicity, they are very dangerous to the user.
Precaution must be exercised during a psychedelic experience, such as being in a secure, controlled setting and having a perceptive friend or “trip sitter” present to offer aid if it becomes needed.
Psychological Effects And “Bad Trips”
A second major concern with psilocybin mushrooms is the risk of a “bad trip,” a very uncomfortable or bad psychedelic experience. A bad trip involves suffering great anxiety, paranoia, confusion, or delusions. These uncomfortable psychological reactions occasionally result in panic attacks, prolonged emotional upset, or even self-injurious behavior.
Although a bad trip is not pernicious in itself, the emotional distress can sometimes be harsh. With a person having previous mental disorders, for example anxiety disorders or schizophrenia, the consumption of psychedelics may trigger the state of a disease or result in a state of psychosis.
Risk-Enhancing Factors
While psilocybin mushrooms are safe for most individuals to use responsibly, there are some factors that heighten the risk of harm. They include:
1. Pre-existing mental health conditions
People with a past history of mental illness, especially conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe anxiety, are more susceptible to the negative psychoactive consequences of psilocybin mushrooms. Psilocybin may induce or worsen prior conditions, some of which result in long-term problems.
2. Overdoses
If you take huge amounts of psilocybin mushrooms, a bad trip is what you will get. Overdose to the point of death is generally not something to worry about, but gigantic doses can produce some wild hallucinations, confusion, and intense psychological disturbance. Start low if you’re a beginner.
3. Contaminated mushrooms
There is also the possibility of ingestion of mistaken mushrooms, since some mushrooms are poisonous and even fatal. Psilocybin mushrooms have been confused with poisonous mushrooms, like Amanita species, and this can cause accidental poisoning. Source your mushrooms especially from a trustworthy source.
4. Strange or hazardous environments
To ingest psilocybin in a new, unfamiliar, or dangerous situation can lead to disorientation, confusion, and danger. One should be in a secure and comfortable place and preferably with an experienced, sober facilitator.
Conclusion
So, can you really die from shrooms? In nearly all cases, no.? In virtually all situations, no. Psilocybin mushrooms are non-toxic with a very low possibility of toxicity. But then, there are still some possible dangers to using them like destructive behavior, mental trauma, and potential contamination. More importantly, it is reasonable to approach psychedelics with caution, respect, and readiness.
