What are magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms contain the hallucinogen drug psilocybin. A young person who uses magic mushrooms might experience hallucination have a distorted sense of time or place, feel relaxed or calm. Identifying magic mushrooms can be difficult as there are many different mushrooms that look similar that are poisonous to people.
There has been research into the use of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes for people with a diagnosis of some mental health conditions. Psilocybin can be prescribed by authorised psychiatrists. If this is of interest to your young person, it can be explored with a health professional.
UNDERSTANDING:
Understanding more about why a young person might use magic mushrooms can help guide future conversations with them. Some young people might use magic mushrooms for the hallucinogenic effects, the altered sense of time and place, to be creative or to enhance social settings.
While a young person may use for many reasons, sometimes drugs can have unintended side effects. If someone you care about has used magic mushrooms and you are concerned
- Stay calm and approach the young person quietly.
- Support them to move to a safe and quiet place where they are comfortable.
- Avoid overly stimulating environments.
- Reassure them that you are there to support them.
- Remind them that the effects will wear off.
- If you are worried someone you care about has consumed a poisonous mushroom seek medical attention. A young person may be vomiting, have stomach cramps, slow or shallow breathing.
Check out these articles to understand how to best support your young person
Understanding adolescent development in relation to drug use ADF
Risk taking behaviours and adolescents Headspace
Importance of peer relationship headspace
How to start a conversation about drug use with someone you are concerned about YoDAA video
We know families have a lot of questions about substance use. Reach out to YoDAA help better understand and support your young person.
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