Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, have been used for centuries for spiritual and medicinal purposes. They contain a naturally occurring psychedelic compound called psilocybin, which alters perception, cognition, and mood. While magic mushrooms are generally considered safe, there have been concerns about their potential for addiction. Research shows that psilocybin itself is not physically addictive. Unlike substances such as nicotine or drugs like heroin, magic mushrooms do not create a physical dependence. In fact, studies suggest that psilocybin can be effective in treating addiction to other substances, such as tobacco and alcohol.
The uncertainty as to the start date, Nutt says, is because he and his team are still waiting for the final go-ahead from the UK medicines regulator, the London-based Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). And it has already taken almost two years to get to this stage.
According to Nutt, this crackdown was triggered after people figured out how to freeze-dry the mushrooms while maintaining their psychedelic properties; previously they had to be eaten fresh to have an effect. Because of its status as having no medical use it is very hard to get a licence to use psilocybin in clinical trials, but without clinical trials we will never establish a medical use.
In fact, studies suggest that psilocybin can be effective in treating addiction to other substances, such as tobacco and alcohol. However, it is important to note that although psilocybin may not be physically addictive, it can still be psychologically addictive. This means that individuals can develop a psychological dependence on the effects of magic mushrooms.
Psychedelics: entering a new age of addiction therapy
Psilocybin, the compound that makes mushrooms magic, is showing promise as a treatment for several psychiatric illnesses.
27 October 2014 Copy link to page Download PDFThe amygdala is the emotion centre of the brain. Psilocybin reduces amygdala reactivity to negative emotional stimuli, and has been found to induce an increase in positive mood.Neural patterns break down and the connectivity between different parts of the brain becomes more diverse and dynamic. Cognition is less constrained and perception is profoundly altered.
Source: Carhart-Harris RL, Erritzoe D & Williams T. PNAS 2011;109:2138–2143.
Matthew Johnson who conducted a proof-of-concept trial using psilocybin to help heavy smokers quit, sits back in one of the treatment rooms at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland
Gordon McGlothlin is 65 years old and, until recently, he smoked 20 cigarettes a day, a habit he formed when he was just 15 years old. He tried to stop, using nicotine replacement therapy, psychological therapy or going cold turkey. But each time he relapsed. Then, McGlothlin’s friend told him about an advertisement for participants in a clinical trial of a new treatment for tobacco addiction.
So one December morning, McGlothlin walked into the research centre at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he took a small, blue capsule and sat in a room listening to classical music. The idea was that after he walked out of the research centre in the evening he would never smoke another cigarette again. That was almost two years ago and McGlothlin says he is still smoke-free.
McGlothlin was part of a small, proof-of-concept trial using psilocybin to help heavy smokers quit [1]
. Psilocybin (pronounced silo-sie-bin) is what makes magic mushrooms psychedelic and, despite its reputation as a recreational drug for hippies, it is showing promise as a therapeutic agent for a number of psychiatric illnesses including addiction, depression and anxiety. “I think psilocybin gave me the impetus to stay abstinent. It opens up a whole new dimension to your personality. It is almost as though quitting smoking is peripheral during the experience,” says McGlothlin.
In the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s, psychedelic drugs were extensively researched, with the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) being studied in some 40,000 participants. But then LSD was made illegal and research ground to a halt. A retrospective analysis of six trials from the late 60s and early 70s involving 536 patients [2]
, published in 2012, found that LSD helped people overcome alcohol addiction and was “as successful as any treatment since,” says David Nutt, professor of neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London and a campaigner for rational drug laws that do not inhibit research. “We’re talking about one or two doses producing life-long effects.”
Psilocybin and LSD have similar, but not identical, patterns of activity in the brain. “Psilocybin hits the same primary brain receptor as LSD, called serotonin 2A,” says Matthew Johnson, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences at Johns Hopkins, who carried out the tobacco addiction trial. But, compared with LSD, psilocybin is more appealing to researchers for two reasons: its duration of action is about 6 hours compared with LSD’s 10–12 hours, which makes it more manageable to work with in a clinical setting; and, unlike LSD, it does not have the same strong association with the counterculture of the 1960s, explains Johnson. “All major drugs of abuse have accepted clinical applications, bar psychedelics. It is really exciting that these drugs could open up novel treatments,” he says, adding that “more and more” scientists are coming into the field.
Johnson recalls how the idea for his smoking cessation study came after looking at historical trials of psychedelics and noticing that their effects could be applicable to a range of addictions, since the reports of experiences were always similar. “Smoking seemed to be a good place to start.” Johnson continues: “People may say we are using a sledgehammer for smoking but it is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide and 70% of smokers in the US want to quit.”
Some people may find the altered states of consciousness and the profound experiences induced by psilocybin to be appealing, leading to repeated use. The potential for psychological addiction to magic mushrooms varies among individuals. Factors such as personality, recreational use versus intentional therapeutic use, and underlying mental health conditions can influence the risk of addiction. Some individuals may be more prone to developing a dependence on the psychological effects of psilocybin than others. Furthermore, the frequency and context of use can also play a role in the development of addiction. Regular, excessive use of magic mushrooms can increase the likelihood of psychological dependence. Additionally, using magic mushrooms as an escape or coping mechanism for underlying emotional issues may increase the risk of addiction. Overall, while psilocybin mushrooms are not physically addictive, they can still pose a risk for psychological addiction. As with any substance, it is important to approach their use with caution and be aware of personal risk factors. Responsible and informed use, along with proper guidance and support, can help mitigate the potential for addiction and maximize the benefits of magic mushrooms..
Reviews for "Exploring the addictive properties of psilocybin mushrooms through animal models"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I wasn't impressed with "Can the use of magic mushrooms result in addiction". The article seemed biased and lacked concrete evidence to support its claims. It brushed off personal stories of addiction as isolated cases, without acknowledging the potential risks and dangers associated with magic mushroom use. I would have liked to see a more balanced approach and a more thorough examination of the addictive properties of these substances.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I found "Can the use of magic mushrooms result in addiction" to be disappointing. The author seemed dismissive of the addictive potential of magic mushrooms, relying mostly on anecdotal evidence and ignoring scientific studies that have shown the development of dependence and addiction in some individuals. The article also lacked a comprehensive exploration of the long-term effects and the potential risks associated with prolonged magic mushroom use. I would have preferred a more informative and objective analysis of this topic.
3. Mike - 1/5 stars - "Can the use of magic mushrooms result in addiction" gave a one-sided view of the issue. It downplayed the addictive nature of magic mushrooms and failed to address the potential negative consequences that can arise from their use. The author seemed to promote the idea that magic mushrooms are harmless and non-addictive, which disregards the experiences of those who have struggled with addiction as a result of using these substances. I think a more balanced approach is needed to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the topic.