Psychedelic drugs have been around for quite some time and have amassed a negative reputation. Many people associate psychedelic drugs with party-goers and college students. However, many argue that psychedelic drugs can be used medically when placed in the right hands. Individuals state that there are possible benefits to legal psychedelic mushrooms.
Very recently, Oregon became the first state in the U.S. to legalize psilocybin (a form of mushroom). In a recent bill, this particular psychedelic substance was decriminalized in many cities around the nation. However, Oregon is the first to permit supervised statewide use. Could this be the potential start of other drugs being legalized for medical use?
With the introduction of legal psychedelic mushrooms, rehab centers and clinics across the country can use these mushrooms in a therapeutic setting. It is said that psilocybin (among other drugs) can be used to treat cases of anxiety, depression, and even addiction. When used in a medical setting, these psychedelic drugs may prove to be highly beneficial. Still, it is important to know more about this matter before proceeding with use.
The Legalization of Mushrooms in Oregon
During the election season a month ago, Oregon voted on Measure 109 ‘Psilocybin Mushroom Services Program Initiative’. With over 2 million votes counted the majority won with 55% of the population saying yes. Oregon agreed to “authorizing the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to create a program to permit licensed service providers to administer psilocybin-producing mushroom and fungi products to individuals 21 years of age or older.”
This made Oregon the very first state to legalize psilocybin products (in a medically supervised setting). Originally, the measure prohibits the possession and use of psilocybin (outside of trusted service centers). Additionally, those found with possession of psilocybin (or other controlled substances) will get no more than a Class E violation. Oregon is the first state to truly legalize it, however, other states have lowered the criminal penalty.
What is Psilocybin (Mushrooms)?
Psilocybin, in particular, is considered a chemical that contains hallucinogenic properties. Psilocybin can be found in several different types of dried/fresh mushrooms. One may find these mushrooms in South America along with various regions of the United States. Mushrooms that contain this particular chemical are usually referred to as ‘magic mushrooms’, ‘shrooms’, or hallucinogenic mushrooms. While people may abuse these mushrooms, it was shown that there was little possibility of addiction after continued use.
There are more than 180 different types of mushrooms that have psilocybin in them. These mushrooms have been used for centuries for religious/native rites. Now, these mushrooms can be used to treat different disorders in a legal and supervised setting in Oregon. These legal psychedelic mushrooms are specialized for therapeutic use and are safe.
Unfortunately, however, these mushrooms are also sometimes abused and laced with LSD before being sold on the streets.
The Effects and Symptoms of Mushroom Use
While this property can be used to treat certain mental illnesses and addiction, it’s important to know the effects of mushrooms on the body. Although there may be positive ways to use mushrooms, they can easily be abused. When people use them outside of a supervised and therapeutic environment, ‘shrooms’ can create intense hallucinations or panic (if taken at large doses).
When people abuse substances like this, it can affect a person’s mood, sleep patterns, hunger, temperature, muscle control, and other aspects of the body. As with all other drugs, these can cause a number of negative effects when used recreationally. Some of the effects of hallucinogenic drugs (like mushrooms) include:
- Psychosis
- Dry mouth
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea/vomiting
- Intense sweating
- Loss of coordination
- Excessive sweating
- Lowered inhibitions
- Intense visual/auditory experiences and feelings
- A spike in blood pressure, body temperature, or breathing patterns
These symptoms can vary from case to case and can range in severity. Individuals should not use mushrooms recreationally or for fun but rather in a trustworthy, therapeutic setting. With the introduction to legal psychedelic mushrooms, it is important to be aware of some of the effects when abused.
With this in mind, professionals must be careful and exercise wisdom when addressing mushroom use in treatment settings. Perhaps, these mushrooms can help with the healing or recovery process of addiction and mental health disorders. But, it’s best to consult a trustworthy addiction treatment specialist before pursuing any type of treatment for substance abuse.
The Benefits of Psilocybin in a Therapeutic Setting
Over the years there has been plenty of research that suggests psilocybin therapy can be beneficial for cases of addiction, depression, and other mental disorders. Legal psychedelic mushrooms can be used in a supervised setting to aid those struggling with addiction or other disorders. There is compelling evidence brought about by John Hopkins Medicine researchers.
This study states that “under psychologically supported conditions significantly relieved existential anxiety and depression in people with a life-threatening cancer diagnosis”. Now, this research occurred a few years ago. Still, this benefit has recently become available to a wide variety of disorders and people across the nation.
In a study conducted at John Hopkins, 24 people were taken (average age of 39) and prepared with varying periods of psilocybin use. With two doses each, the different groups were given guidance and support throughout the process. The study was conducted over the course of 4 weeks. At the end of the four-week study (right after treatment), the results were very positive. 67% of the 24 participants showed a 50% reduction in depression symptoms after the first dose of psilocybin. This number would increase to 71% after the 4 week period.
The Legality of Psilocybin
It is worth noting that the legal status of mushrooms containing psilocybin is not as open as cannabis. It’s only allowed to be used and stored at trusted/licensed facilities. It is not to be used recreationally or sold on the street. Only those over the age of 21 and who have passed a proper screening are eligible to use these ‘magic mushrooms’ for therapeutic use. With this in mind, it has a lot of potential and uses when it comes to addiction treatment and other mental disorders.
Getting Professional Help for Addiction
Unfortunately, there comes a lot of times when people fall into drug abuse through mushrooms and other drugs. Addiction can impact anyone and everyone if they aren’t careful. It’s always important to take the prescribed amount of a medication (as written by a real doctor). Oftentimes people may fall into the vicious cycle of addiction without a clue of what to do next.
With this in mind, it’s important to look towards quality treatment for you or a loved one. Rehab centers like Coastal Detox are here to help you towards a better life down the line. Waiting will only make things worse for you or the struggling individual in your life. Let’s take a look at some of the common forms of treatment for addiction.
Detoxification (Detox)
At Coastal Detox we specialize primarily in detoxification. Detox is one of the most crucial steps to addiction treatment and recovery. Detox is usually the first step towards addiction treatment and involves ridding the body of drugs/alcohol. This is the key to long-term sobriety and allows for other more personalized treatment options like therapy or support groups.
In all cases of detox, it is imperative to have trusted and safe supervision during the process. At times, detoxification can be unpredictable and dangerous if done solely on your own. At Coastal Detox, we make sure that you are comfortable and safe so you can focus on the treatment and recovery side of addiction. A person should not attempt detox alone for safety reasons, let us help you today.
Inpatient/Residential Treatment
Typically, the next step after detox is inpatient (or residential) treatment. This is the most complete and effective form of treatment since a person stays at a rehab center. In this type of program, you receive 24/7 supervision and have access to helpful therapists at any hour of the day. This is essential in more severe cases of addiction as well as dual diagnosis cases (a person dealing with both mental illness and an addiction at the same time).
Therapy
Almost all rehab centers have access to several types of therapy options. Therapy is a vital part of the recovery process because addiction is just as much of a mental thing as it is a physical one. You can’t fully recover if you don’t truly pinpoint the reasoning behind your addiction in the first place. There are several personalized therapy options and support groups that can help during the recovery process at hand.
Start Your Recovery at Coastal
With the introduction of legal psychedelic mushrooms in Oregon, it is going to be interesting to see what comes next in the field of addiction treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, it’s time to start your journey today. Let Coastal help you move towards a better future with our comprehensive and trusted detox process. Contact us today to learn more about our detox process and addiction resources.
References:
https://ballotpedia.org/Oregon_Measure_109,_Psilocybin_Mushroom_Services_Program_Initiative_(2020)