Are Shrooms Addictive? Research Shows Promise for Addiction

Are psilocybin mushrooms addictive?

Psilocybin mushrooms carry no risk for physical addiction, but they can lead to psychological dependence for some individuals. This type of dependence may manifest in increased use over time, feeling like the only way to work on yourself is by taking mushrooms and potentially hiding use from loved ones.

Psychological dependence might manifest as:

• Increased use: Needing higher doses or more frequent use to achieve the same desired effects (tolerance development).
• Continued use despite harm: Continuing to use psilocybin despite experiencing negative impacts on personal, professional, or social life.

However, susceptibility to such dependence is complex and influenced by various factors beyond simply using mushrooms. If you find yourself struggling with uncontrollable desires, increasing use, or feeling the need to hide your mushroom use, it’s crucial to seek professional support to address the underlying reasons and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

How addictive are shrooms?

Magic mushrooms pose a relatively low risk of physical addiction due to the absence of withdrawal symptoms. This differentiates it from substances like opioids or alcohol, which trigger physical cravings and discomfort when stopping.

However, psychological dependence can develop in some individuals. The risk of psychological dependence appears to be relatively low compared to other substances, but still warrants awareness and responsible use. While tolerance might develop, it’s not a guaranteed deterrent against repeated use.

What does the research say?

Studies on the addictive potential of psilocybin are limited, but most experts agree that responsible use coupled with harm reduction strategies greatly minimizes the risk of psilocybin addiction. Additionally, many researchers agree that guided therapy alongside psilocybin consumption can reduce the risk of psychological dependence.

Related: Doctors Rethinking Psychedelic Therapy

How do I know if I am addicted to magic mushrooms?

You may have developed a psychological addiction to mushrooms if you notice increased use, continued use despite negative consequences, hiding use, neglecting responsibilities or experiencing loss of control. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Increased Use: Have you noticed a need to embrace the experience more frequently or in larger amounts to reach the same levels of insight? This could indicate tolerance development, a common feature of dependence. If you’re noticing increased use, you may benefit from a break to reassess your relationship with mushrooms.
• Continued Use Despite Harm: Is your exploration affecting your personal growth, professional journey, or connections with others in ways that have had negative consequences? 
• Hiding Use: Have you become secretive or dishonest about your mushroom use? While it may not feel safe to speak about mushrooms in some environments, it’s important to have outlets where you can be open about your psychedelic use. Finding community can be vital to reducing dependence. Need support here? You’re invited to join our FREE weekly integration circles – a safe space to get the support that you need.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Do you prioritize mushroom use over other important activities or responsibilities? If so, this could indicate an unhealthy dependence.
• Loss of Control: Do you feel that you have lost control over your mushroom use and are unable to stop or cut back even when you want to? Feeling that your relationship with mushrooms is out of sync with your intentions can be disconcerting.

It’s important to note that:

• These signs are not exhaustive and someone may not experience all of them.
• These signs can also be indicative of other mental health issues or problems.
• The severity of dependence can vary greatly between individuals.

If any of these experiences resonate with you, it’s important to seek professional medical guidance or support from a mental health expert who can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Curious to learn more about Addiction and Psychedelics? Check out this Sacred Psychedelics podcast episode with 5th generation medicine woman and addiction expert Becca Evans.

Factors that may influence the risk of dependency

The factors that may influence the risk of psilocybin dependency can include 

• Individual Psychological Factors: An individual’s psychological status or having personality traits such as impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and a tendency towards escapism may increase risk of addiction.  
• Physical or social environment: The environment and mindset surrounding psilocybin use can significantly impact the experience and potential for dependence. Chaotic or uncontrolled settings with negative emotional baggage increase risk.
• History of drug consumption: While psilocybin therapy shows promise as a possible solution for addiction to other substances, people with a history of addiction may still be more susceptible to psilocybin addiction; especially when used outside of a therapeutic context. 
• Mental Health Conditions: Those with underlying mental health conditions, especially those prone to psychosis or schizophrenia, may be more vulnerable to developing a dependency on psilocybin.
• Frequency and Amount of Use: The frequency and amount of magic mushroom use can influence addiction risk. Regular or heavy use increases the nature of developing a psychological dependence.

How psilocybin mushrooms compare to other substances in terms of addictive potential

Psilocybin mushrooms have no potential for physical addiction and have a much lower risk of psychological dependence than other substances such as opiates or alcohol. 

The risk of dependence is even lower when used in therapeutic conditions under the guidance of a trained psychedelic guide or therapist.

Psilocybin mushroom treatment for addiction

Yes, psilocybin therapy is currently being investigated as a promising treatment for addiction. . According to published studies, psilocybin  may offer an alternative to current forms of therapy for psychological addiction, including alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse addiction. 

Watch: Dosed is a documentary following one Canadian woman’s journey using psilocybin and Ibogaine to overcome a lifelong heroin addiction.

Promising results from clinical trials

Johns Hopkins University’s Exploration into Psilocybin for Smoking Cessation:

In 2014, Johns Hopkins University completed a pilot study to investigate the role of psilocybin-assisted therapy in helping individuals quit smoking. Six months after the therapy, a notable 80% (12 out of 15 participants) maintained their abstinence. However, to solidify these findings into the potential of psilocybin supported addiction treatment, studies with larger groups and extended follow-ups are necessary.

Research into Psilocybin’s Effectiveness for Alcohol Dependence:

The following year, in 2015, Michael Bogenschutz and his team conducted research to examine psilocybin’s safety and its impact on individuals battling alcohol dependence. Early observations suggested a decrease in alcohol consumption among some participants post-psilocybin treatment. 

How mushroom therapy for addiction may work?

Mushroom therapy for addiction might be effective due to the ability of psilocybin to impact neuroplasticity, influence the serotonin system, reduce cravings and increase the perceived meaning or purpose of someone’s life. The research is in its infancy, but we explore each of these areas further below: 

• Neuroplasticity: Studies suggest psilocybin can promote neuroplasticity, enhancing brain flexibility and potentially facilitating the formation of new neural connections that support healthier behaviors.
• Serotonergic Influence: Psilocybin interacts with the serotonin system, particularly with the 5-HT2A receptor, which plays a role in mood, cognition, and perception.
• Reduced Cravings: Some studies suggest psilocybin can decrease cravings for addictive substances, potentially by addressing underlying emotional drivers of addiction.
• Improved Meaning and Purpose: Psilocybin experiences can inspire positive life changes and a renewed sense of purpose, reducing reliance on addictive substances for fulfillment.

Potential benefits and risks of using shrooms to support addiction recovery

The potential benefits of using psilocybin assisted therapy to support addiction recovery include the lack of potential for physical addiction, higher rates of recovery than traditional methods, and a potential for psilocybin to produce long-term impact by positively restructuring the brain. 

However, psilocybin therapy may also come with risks. Because it is another substance, it is possible that one might create a psychological dependence on psilocybin. Additionally, psilocybin therapy requires a thoughtful set and setting and may be more harmful than positive if used outside of a therapeutic context for those dealing with addiction. Certain mental health conditions can also be triggered by psilocybin including paranoia and psychosis. 

FAQs

Are psilocybin mushrooms addictive?

No, psilocybin is not physically addictive. However, in extreme instances, psilocybin might create psychological dependence in some individuals. 

How do I know if I am addicted to magic mushrooms?

If you think you might be addicted to mushrooms, it is imperative that you work with a medical doctor or mental health professional to receive a proper diagnosis.

Are there any treatment programs available for magic mushroom addiction in Canada?

There are many drug rehabilitation centers available for support in Canada. If you’re not sure where to start, we also recommend https://www.psychedelicsinrecovery.org/ for psychedelic friendly and compassionate support in finding the best care for yourself possible. 

Final Thoughts on Shrooms and Addiction

Magic mushrooms are not physically addictive, but in some cases, they may be psychologically addictive. The symptoms of psilocybin addiction may include increased use, continued use despite negative consequences, hiding use, neglecting responsibilities or experiencing loss of control.

Additionally, due to their potential to rewire the brain, when used in a therapeutic context, psilocybin mushrooms may actually provide an alternative to addiction recovery for other substances including tobacco, alcohol, or opiates.

If you, or someone you know, may be experiencing psilocybin addiction, it is important to work with a qualified medical doctor or mental health professional. 

References:

• Psilocybin shows promise for treating alcohol addiction, new study finds by (2023, July 31) Goldhill, O.
• Percentage of Heavy Drinking Days Following Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy vs Placebo in the Treatment of Adult Patients With Alcohol Use by (2022, October 1) Bogenschutz, M. P., Ross, S., Bhatt, S., Baron, T., Forcehimes, A. A., Laska, E., Mennenga, S. E., O’Donnell, K. C., Owens, L. T., Podrebarac, S. K., Rotrosen, J., Tonigan, J. S., & Worth, L.
• Associations between classic psychedelics and opioid use disorder in a nationally-representative U.S. adult sample by (2022, April 7) Jones, G., Ricard, J. A., Lipson, J., & Nock, M. K.