Have you ever heard of fake shrooms also known as magic mushrooms or psilocybin? These counterfeit mushrooms may look like the real thing, but they often contain harmful chemicals or synthetic drugs that can cause unpredictable and dangerous effects. As interest in psilocybin, the natural compound in magic mushrooms, grows, the rise of fake versions has become a serious concern. Unlike genuine psilocybin mushrooms, which some believe can help with conditions like depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fake mushrooms can lead to severe reactions, intense hallucinations, and significant health risks.
At the same time, law enforcement has increased crackdowns on psilocybin use. Between 2017 and 2022, the number of drug busts involving magic mushrooms tripled. This indicates not only that more people are using psychedelics, but also that many are consuming dangerous, unregulated substances.
While psilocybin shows promise in medical settings, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks of consuming fake or contaminated mushrooms to avoid serious health complications. Northern Illinois Recovery Center in Crystal Lake, Illinois, specializes in drug addiction treatment and has successfully helped people acheive long-term sobriety.
Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms) and Their Rising Popularity
Magic mushrooms, also called shrooms, are one of the most commonly used psychedelics in the U.S. They are even more popular than ecstasy (MDMA). While researchers are studying whether psilocybin can be used to treat mental health conditions, it is still illegal in most places. Only a few states, like Colorado and Oregon, have made it legal for medical use, and Illinois may be next.
A 2024 study found that 12% of Americans have tried psilocybin at some point in their lives, and 3.1% used it in the past year—that’s about 8 million people in 2023 alone. As more people try magic mushrooms, there’s also a higher risk of fake shrooms being sold. These fakes can be laced with other drugs or made from synthetic chemicals that could cause serious health problems. That’s why it’s important to understand the risks and stay informed.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Fake Shrooms?
Identifying the ingestion of fake shrooms can be challenging due to their varied compositions. Common symptoms include:
- Nausea and Vomiting: Fake mushrooms may contain chemicals that irritate the stomach, causing nausea and vomiting more intensely than natural ones.
- Elevated Heart Rate: Synthetic compounds can stimulate the central nervous system, raising heart rate and causing anxiety or panic.
- High Blood Pressure: Contaminated substances can elevate blood pressure, causing dizziness, anxiety, and putting strain on the heart.
- Dilated Pupils: Fake shrooms may cause pupil dilation along with blurred vision or difficulty focusing, signaling dangerous chemicals.
- Sweating or Chills: Synthetic substances can disrupt temperature regulation, causing sweating or chills due to increased metabolism or anxiety.
- Muscle Twitching or Tremors: Certain synthetic compounds can overstimulate the nervous system, leading to involuntary muscle spasms or shaking.
- Severe Anxiety or Panic Attacks: Synthetic mushrooms are more likely to provoke intense anxiety, panic, and overwhelming fear during use.
- Disorientation: Fake shrooms may lead to confusion and disorientation that feel more severe than with natural psilocybin.
- Delusional Thinking: Fake mushrooms can cause distorted thoughts, leading to paranoia or delusions far more intense than natural mushrooms.
- Intense Hallucinations: Synthetic shrooms can cause uncontrollable, frightening hallucinations that may be more disorienting than natural psilocybin experiences.
- Memory Loss or Blackouts: Some fake shrooms contain chemicals that impair cognitive function, leading to gaps in memory or complete blackouts.
- Longer Duration of Effects: Synthetic compounds may prolong trips far beyond the typical 4–6 hours, increasing distress or exhaustion.
- Severe Toxicity: Some synthetic shrooms are toxic and can cause lasting symptoms like organ damage or even fatal overdose.
- Risk of Addiction or Dependence: Many synthetic hallucinogens have a higher potential for addiction or habitual use than natural psilocybin mushrooms.
- Increased Risk of Psychosis: Prolonged or high-dose use of fake shrooms can trigger lasting psychotic episodes, especially in individuals with a history of mental illness.
Experiencing extreme or unexpected symptoms after consuming mushrooms requires immediate medical attention. Acting quickly can help prevent potential overdoses or toxic reactions from worsening.
How Do Fake Shrooms Affect the Brain and Body?
Fake shrooms, which often contain synthetic hallucinogenic compounds, can affect the brain and body in ways that are more intense and unpredictable than natural psilocybin mushrooms. These synthetic substances overstimulate serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to excessive brain activity. This overstimulation can result in intense hallucinations, erratic thought patterns, and emotional instability. Users may experience mood swings, confusion, and cognitive dysfunction, making it difficult to process information or distinguish reality from hallucination.
Physically, fake shrooms can cause significant strain on the body. The cardiovascular system can be impacted, leading to an increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and even potential risks of heart attack or stroke. Users may also experience extreme sweating, chills, or body temperature fluctuations as the body struggles to regulate itself. The unpredictable potency and composition of synthetic shrooms make the effects hard to anticipate, increasing the risk of overdose, physical harm, and long-lasting psychological damage. The combination of intense physical and psychological effects can make fake shrooms especially dangerous for those unaware of their potent, unstable nature.
Side Effects of Fake Shrooms
The effects of psilocybin are largely comparable to those of LSD, encompassing alterations in the perception of time and space, as well as significant fluctuations in mood and emotional states. Additional potential effects of psilocybin may include:
- Euphoria
- A sense of tranquility
- Spiritual enlightenment
- Derealization is characterized by the sensation that one’s environment is unreal
- Depersonalization, which manifests as a dream-like disconnection from one’s surroundings
- Distorted thought processes
- Visual distortions, such as perceiving halos of light and vibrant colors
- Pupil dilation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness accompanied by yawning
- Impaired focus
- Muscle weakness
- Lack of coordination
- Uncommon bodily sensations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Disturbing hallucinations
The effects of psilocybin can differ significantly among individuals, influenced by the user’s mental condition, personality traits, and the surrounding environment. Those with pre-existing mental health issues or anxiety regarding the use of this hallucinogen are at an increased risk of experiencing negative outcomes.
Psychological distress is a possible adverse effect following the recreational use of psilocybin, which may manifest as severe anxiety or temporary psychotic episodes.
Why Are Fake Shrooms Addictive?
While natural psilocybin mushrooms aren’t usually addictive, fake shrooms can be a different story. These synthetic substances can cause psychological dependence, making users feel like they need to keep using them, even if they’re facing negative consequences. Over time, the brain can get used to the intense effects, and people may find themselves wanting more, chasing the same euphoric highs while ignoring the risks.
On top of that, fake shrooms can vary in strength and composition, so users might build a tolerance. Users may take higher doses, increasing the risk of dependency and harmful effects. Higher doses raise the danger of overdose, severe hallucinations, and long-term mental health issues like paranoia or psychosis. Additionally, repeated exposure to harmful chemicals found in fake shrooms can lead to nerve damage, organ failure, or permanent cognitive impairments, making these substances far riskier than natural psilocybin.
Treatment for Fake Shrooms at NIRC
Recognizing the dangers of fake mushrooms, Northern Illinois Recovery Center (NIRC) offers tailored treatment for substance use disorders. Illinois lawmakers are exploring new ways to support mental health. NIRC provides specialized care for those affected by synthetic substances, including fake shrooms. Our programs focus on detox and long-term recovery strategies. We help individuals regain stability, health, and well-being.
When someone has used psilocybin regularly or in large amounts, drug detoxification may be necessary. Unlike some substances, psilocybin doesn’t usually cause physical dependence, but there can still be psychological symptoms related to withdrawal. These could include:
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
The treatment would focus on managing these psychological symptoms through therapy, mindfulness practices, and medication to address any severe anxiety or depression.
Residential treatment provides a more structured environment where individuals can focus entirely on their recovery. For someone who’s dealing with addiction to substances like psilocybin, inpatient care might include:
- Therapeutic interventions: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to address any co-occurring mental health disorders like depression or anxiety.
- 24/7 support: Medical staff and addiction counselors are available to help individuals work through withdrawal symptoms, stress, and emotional challenges.
- Group therapy: Sharing experiences with others facing similar issues can be a powerful part of recovery.
For people who don’t need the intensive care of inpatient treatment but still require structure and support, outpatient treatment offers more flexibility. It may include:
- Scheduled therapy sessions: Individual counseling or group therapy that focuses on mental health, addiction recovery, and behavior change.
- Support groups: These provide ongoing peer support to help manage cravings and build healthy coping mechanisms.
- Psychiatric support: For anyone who might need medication to manage symptoms like depression or anxiety.
Addiction counseling is a crucial part of any treatment plan for someone who may be struggling with psilocybin use or any other substance. Counseling might include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to addiction.
- Contingency management: Rewarding positive behaviors, like staying clean, to encourage continued progress.
- Relapse prevention: Teaching strategies to avoid triggers that might lead to relapse and how to cope with temptation.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction to fake shrooms, we are here to help. Our compassionate, expert team offers tailored treatment programs designed to support your recovery journey. Don’t wait to take the first step toward a healthier, drug-free life—reach out to us today and begin your path to lasting recovery. You don’t have to face this alone.
