Mushrooms

There is no such thing as a safe level of drug use. Substance use carries risk. It’s important to be careful when taking any drug. Mushrooms effect people differently based on:

• A person’s body weight
• General state of health
• Regular use of substance
• If taken in combination with other drugs including prescription medication
• The amount that is consumed

The effect of magic mushrooms may last anywhere between 4 to 12 hours and this will differ depending on the quantity consumed. The most common experiences felt on a mushroom high are:

• Increased feelings of relaxation and happiness
• Audio and visual disturbances (seeing and hearing things)
• Confusion and trouble concentrating
• Increased and or irregular heart beat
• Hypertension and quickening of breath
• Numbness
• Vomiting

Mushrooms are categorised as a hallucinogen. Like other hallucinogenics, it's real hard to predict the effect they'll have on a person. State of mind plays a role in a users experience on mushrooms and a bad experience on mushrooms can be both frightening and unpleasant, so be safe.

If you're going to use any form of drug, go about it safely. You make the choices that determine what substances you put into your body. Whatever your choice, it's important to remember that being safe and responsible (that's with yourself and with others) is the golden rule. We've got some helpful tips to consider:

• Set limits for yourself, and stick to them
• Tell some trusted friends what you're planning to do
• Do your research and make sure you're what you're taking isn't going to land you in dire straits

The effect of taking mushies in combination with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medication is unpredictable and dangerous. Here are some of the known interactions between magic mushrooms and other drugs including prescription medications:

Hallucinogens + Amphetamine or ecstasy will place and enormous strain on the heart and body. This may lead to stroke.

Hallucinogens + Alcohol, Cannabis or Benzodiazepines may increase the potential for clumsiness and the chance of vomiting.

Let's be frank, recreational drug use (whether it's legal or not) is likely to interact or even interfere with the treatment regime of a person living with HIV. Changes in the concentration of ARV's is a result of two or more drugs interacting. These changes in concentration are known to be the very thing which ultimatley leads to treatment failure and toxicity.  

If you're HIV+ and a recreational user, check in regularly with your GP or an experienced HIV medical practitioner. Know your limits, know your body and be aware of the impact that other substances may have on your treatment.

We're unaware of any interactions or cross interaction between mushies and ARV's but this does not mean that it's completely safe. Always exercise caution if mixing drugs.

For trans, gender diverse or intersex people who are taking some form of hormone therapy, it's important to be aware and informed of how your body processes these treatments.

Currently, there is limited information into the interactions and cross interactions of hormone therapy and recreational drug use but that doesn't mean we'll stop asking for it. Whether your hormones are prescribed by a doctor or you've sourced them yourself from the internet, make it a priority to get regular health checks. Sometimes, a change in dosage or preparation of hormones is needed and a qualified medical practitioner is the person best placed to advise you of this.

If you're not comfortable talking about your gender, gender identity or bodily difference with your doctor, get in touch and we can make recommendations for a service that is best placed to support your needs.

At this point we're unaware of any interactions or cross interactions between magic mushroms and the hormones but this does not mean that it's a fail safe. Always exercise caution if mixing drugs.

If it's been all about the mushrooms but you're not a mycophagist and your use of psychedelics has begun to impact on your health, your relationships with family and friends, your ability to focus on work or study or perhaps even the bottom line on your bank account - it's time to TouchBase with somebody who can help.

There are a number of treatment options and support services available for you, for your family or friends if they need it. Whatever your recovery goals are, if it is to control, reduce or stop, reach out for some support.

Counselling can be provided individually or in a group situation, and is available to people who use alcohol or other drugs, and to their family members or support people. A support service can offer counselling or direct you to a service appropriate for you. Speak to your doctor, alcohol and other drugs treatment service or local community health service.

Find help and support services.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation programs take a long term approach to treatment to help you achieve your goals with your alcohol or other drug use. Residential withdrawal is also available from some treatment services.

Find out more about withdrawal.

Complementary therapies

These include treatments such as massage and relaxation therapies, which can be useful to help you manage withdrawal symptoms. 

Peer support 

These programs are provided for people who use alcohol and other drugs, and their family members or support person/s. 

Psychological withdrawal is more common than physical symptoms with magic mushrooms. People coming off hallucinogens after a period of use may experience:

• Fatigue and or general irritability 
• A reduced ability to experience pleasure