Shrooms
Shrooms And Alcohol
Taking magic mushrooms is an experience within itself. It sends the user on a journey where the world looks a little different, and the user feels more connected with their surroundings.
Alcohol, much more commonly consumed and widely socially accepted, can be great for relaxing after a hard week at work or when you need a bit of liquid confidence on the dance floor.
It would appear that if you mixed the two substances, you would enjoy the benefits of the shrooms coupled with the relaxation of the alcohol. However, alcohol affects the central nervous system by slowing down brain activity and impairing cognitive functions, which can alter the experience significantly.
But mixing shrooms and alcohol doesn’t always turn out that way. So what happens if you take them together? This article looks into the effects of combining the two and any risks to your health. Always use caution when mixing alcohol with any psychedelic drugs.
Key Takeaways:
- Shrooms provide a psychedelic experience
- Alcohol lowers inhibitions and has depressant effects
- Mixing shrooms and alcohol can be dangerous.
- Small amounts of alcohol can reduce nausea
- Sometimes alcohol can smoothen the effects of psilocybin
- Be aware of abusing alcohol and addiction
Shrooms vs Alcohol
To fully understand how both substances work together, it’s best to start by breaking down their individual effects. Even though they are both used recreationally, they have very different effects on the user. For example, alcohol makes you drunk, which is the opposite of how users feel when psychedelics like shrooms.
If anything, shrooms allow the user to be more open-minded and reflective. In contrast, alcohol can often cause people to lose focus and frequently lose the ability to have a coherent conversation (depending on the quantity consumed).
What Are Shrooms?
Shrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are a fascinating type of naturally occurring fungi that contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. This compound is the magic behind the mind-altering effects of shrooms, which can include vivid hallucinations, altered perception, and profound changes in mood and emotions.
For centuries, various cultures have used shrooms for spiritual and introspective purposes, tapping into their ability to open the mind and enhance self-awareness. However, despite their historical significance, magic mushrooms are classified as illegal drugs in many countries due to their potent psychedelic properties.
This legal status underscores the importance of understanding and respecting the powerful effects of shrooms.
Magic Mushrooms
Shrooms are known for being psychedelic, which causes hallucinations. Often preferred over other psychedelics for their natural form, shrooms are popularly used for those looking for an ‘out of body’ experience. Many shroom users feel an increase in positivity, even achieving euphoria. In addition, shrooms don’t cause dependency, making them an attractive choice compared to alcohol.
Other effects of shrooms include:
- Increased energy
- A positive attitude
- Euphoria
- Increased spiritual awareness
- Synesthesia
- Perceptual changes
Some of the adverse side effects of shrooms include excessive sweating, increased heart rate and the risk of paranoia, which can be heightened if you experience a terrible hallucination or trip. Sometimes they don’t work at all.
The long-term effects aren’t widely known; however, some users who consume shrooms excessively may develop Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), which can cause flashbacks to hallucinations. While this isn’t physically painful, it can cause stress and anxiety.
Alcohol
Many of us are more familiar with the effects of alcohol as it’s a substance we often see in films, in restaurants and bars and is even consumed at home. Alcohol can lower the inhibitions of the consumer, often making them feel confident. However, it opens the doorway to making decisions we wouldn’t usually make sober, and the hangover the next day certainly isn’t pleasant.
Alcohol impacts the central nervous system by acting as a depressant, which slows down brain activity and impairs cognitive functions.
Some of the effects include:
- Increased confidence
- Lower inhibitions
- Relaxation
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
Alcohol comes with its own set of problems. When consumed heavily, alcohol poisoning can be fatal if medical attention isn’t immediately sought. Other adverse effects include headaches, diarrhea, nausea, distorted vision and hearing. The long-term effects include liver damage and some forms of cancer. [1] In addition, becoming addicted to drinking is a severe issue that puts a massive strain on the body and can be very difficult to overcome[2].
Can You Mix Alcohol With Shrooms? A Guide to Mixing Shrooms
So, now that we can see the difference in the two effects, is it reasonable to mix them? Many users online have found that when they consume both shrooms and alcohol simultaneously, one tends to cancel out the impact of the other.
The effects of mixing shrooms and alcohol depend on the amounts you take them in. For example, the extreme hallucinogenic effects of shrooms mixed with heavy alcohol use are a high-risk combination that can cause unpredictable results. It could cause frightening hallucinations or panic attacks.
On the other hand, others find that drinking small amounts of alcohol can reduce nausea when taking shrooms, but finding the limit is essential; otherwise, alcohol can worsen the situation. It’s also noted that alcohol can dampen the effects of the shrooms, which defeats the whole point of taking them in the first place.
Some users found that smoking weed works better than mixing shrooms with alcohol. The two effects complement each other, whereas alcohol can decrease the effects of magic mushrooms.[3]
Combining alcohol and psilocybin mushrooms can have varying effects depending on your experience with each substance and various other factors. If taking larger doses of shrooms, you should only drink alcohol in very small amounts.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the combined use of shrooms and alcohol, it is crucial to seek professional addiction treatment. A tailored treatment plan can address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, providing the necessary support for long-term recovery.
Why Do People Mix Alcohol and Shrooms?
Despite the potential risks, some people choose to mix alcohol and shrooms for several reasons. One common belief is that consuming alcohol before or during a mushroom trip can amplify the psychedelic experience, making the visuals and sensations even more intense.
Others might use alcohol as a way to ease the anxiety or discomfort that can sometimes accompany a mushroom trip, hoping that the relaxing effects of alcohol will smooth out any rough edges. Curiosity also plays a significant role, as some individuals are simply eager to explore the effects of combining these substances.
Peer pressure can also be a factor, with friends encouraging each other to try the mix. However, it’s crucial to understand that mixing alcohol and shrooms can lead to increased impairment, negative psychological reactions, and potential harm to physical health.
How to Mix Mushrooms and Alcohol Safely
If you are set on drinking alcohol while taking shrooms, make sure to consume small amounts and space the drinking out – binge drinking can end badly with just alcohol, let alone if psychedelics are added into the mix.
Spreading out the alcohol intake means it won’t hit your body as heavily, and you can adjust the alcohol level according to your trip to avoid any negative effects. If you’ve already consumed a large amount of alcohol and then taken shrooms, you’ll be less in control and more prone to having an unpleasant trip.
Also, if you’re hung-over and not feeling well, taking shrooms when sick could have unwanted side effects.
Used recreationally, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy shrooms alongside a couple of drinks, as long as you don’t overdo it and find the balance that works for you.
Microdosing & Alcohol Consumption
Many individuals are using psilocybin in microdoses, but how does that interact with alcohol?
Based on personal experience, drinking while you use microdose psilocybin capsules can cancel out the beneficial effects of the microdose, most pertaining to mood.
Microdosing is primarily done to improve well-being and mood, so it makes no sense to drink while microdosing. You can learn more about how to microdose mushrooms to see how they work and interact with alcohol.
That being said, a microdose and a beer would be quite relaxing. Since a microdose won’t greatly impact your serotonin system, adding a drink to the mix should be okay. There are pros and cons of microdosing that you should be aware of before starting.
Just like anything, all in moderation – if you seek the benefits of microdosing shrooms, don’t drink until hours after a dose and only 1-2 drinks.
What Are The Potential Risks of Mixing Alcohol and Psilocybin?
The risks associated with mixing shrooms and alcohol include an increased chance of nausea and vomiting. Drinking alcohol alongside consuming shrooms can also increase the risk of having a bad trip, which will also be paired with the effects of alcohol, such as confusion, dizziness and drowsiness.
The combined effects of shrooms and alcohol can further impact the central nervous system, leading to increased impairment and potential harm.
In addition, the effects of alcohol can bring on paranoia, especially if the person starts to react badly to the combination of the two[4]. As magic mushrooms can alter your sense of reality, combining them with another substance can make you perceive things differently, like alcohol can be dangerous. You may lose awareness of how much alcohol you’ve consumed and end up ill with alcohol poisoning.
The effects of mixing mushrooms and alcohol can be life-threatening, mainly due to the drinks. Still, the combined increase in blood pressure can affect your well-being in rare cases, especially with prolonged alcohol use or a heart condition.
Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Addiction
This probably shouldn’t be an issue if you don’t drink regularly or not too much, but alcohol dependency and addiction are dangerous.
You are not likely to experience drug abuse with shrooms, as you can’t take them all the time. However, alcohol addiction is a common substance use disorder and should always be considered when drinking alcohol. Seeking professional addiction treatment for alcohol addiction is crucial. A comprehensive approach that includes detoxification, therapy, and support groups is essential for effective recovery.
It may seem tempting to mix your shroom experience with alcohol; when taken in small quantities, it could be a pleasant experience. However, the key comes down to finding the right balance, and you may find, as many users have already discovered, that shrooms are better enjoyed on their own.
This way, you can experience a complete trip from The Fun Guys products without meddling and possibly altering the course of your shroom high.
Treatment for Co-Occurring Hallucinogen and Alcohol Addiction
If you or someone you know is grappling with a co-occurring addiction to alcohol and hallucinogens, seeking professional help is vital. Effective treatment typically starts with a thorough assessment to understand your unique needs and circumstances.
From there, an individualized treatment plan is developed to address both addictions simultaneously. Detoxification may be necessary to safely remove substances from the body, and medical supervision during this phase can help manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure physical stability.
Therapy is a cornerstone of treatment, helping to uncover and address the underlying issues contributing to addiction. Approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and psychodynamic therapy are commonly used to teach coping skills and prevent relapse.
Getting Help for Alcohol Use Disorder
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), it’s essential to seek professional help. AUD can have far-reaching consequences, affecting every aspect of an individual’s life. Recognizing the signs and seeking treatment can be pivotal in reclaiming control and beginning the recovery process.
Treatment options for AUD are diverse and include detoxification services to manage withdrawal symptoms, ongoing therapy to address the root causes of addiction, and support groups to provide a sense of community and accountability.
A compassionate and comprehensive approach is crucial for those seeking help with AUD, and professional assistance tailored to your unique needs can guide you toward a new path of recovery and well-being.
Responsible Use of Psilocybin and Alcohol
While mixing psilocybin and alcohol is not recommended, it’s essential to understand the risks involved in using these substances separately. Psilocybin can cause hallucinations, altered perception, and significant changes in mood and emotions, while alcohol can impair cognitive function, leading to accidents and risky behaviours.
If you choose to use psilocybin or alcohol, it’s crucial to do so responsibly and with caution. Start with low doses, be aware of your surroundings, and have a trusted friend or family member present to ensure your safety. Additionally, prioritize your physical and mental health by avoiding substance use if you have any underlying medical conditions or are prone to addiction.
Responsible use is key to minimizing risks and ensuring a safer experience.
Also Read:
References:
[3]https://www.alcohol.org/mixing-with/mushrooms/