Poison control calls are rising fast—could you or a loved one be at risk because of this trending psychedelic?
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Curiosity, wellness, and alternative healing have sparked growing interest in substances once considered taboo.
But as new trends gain momentum, experts are warning that the side effects may be more dangerous than many realize.
Its increasing popularity may be fueling a surge in emergency calls that health professionals are taking seriously.
A new study led by Dr. Andrew Monte of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus highlights a concerning trend.
Use of psilocybin—also known as “magic mushrooms”—has surged in recent years, particularly among younger adults and those over age 30.
Between 2019 and 2022, there was a 188% increase in psilocybin use among adults 30 and older.
Among people aged 18 to 29, use rose 44%. This timeline closely follows state-level changes that loosened legal restrictions on the drug.
As psilocybin use climbs, poison control centers are fielding more calls tied to its use
These incidents often involve hallucinations, confusion, agitation, and even self-harm.
In many cases, the people affected were using the substance alone or outside a clinical setting.
Adults over 30 accounted for the biggest increase in calls.
Experts say this is especially concerning, as some people in this age group may also have pre-existing conditions that can make side effects worse.
Psilocybin has been studied in controlled environments where trained professionals monitor every step of the experience.
But outside of a research setting, the drug’s effects can be unpredictable.
Psilocybin can cause heart to race and may interact dangerously with medications, especially antidepressants or treatments for cardiovascular disease.
A separate study published earlier this year also found a chilling connection between bad psychedelic experiences and long-term mental health risks.
People who had a severely negative psilocybin trip were more than twice as likely to die within five years, often from suicide.
The findings in this study are a reminder that even natural substances can carry serious risks—especially when used without supervision.
Read more:
Have you or someone you care about been affected by the growing use of psychedelics? Do you have questions or concerns about their safety? Or are you interested in learning more about alternative therapies done safely and legally?
But as new trends gain momentum, experts are warning that the side effects may be more dangerous than many realize.
Its increasing popularity may be fueling a surge in emergency calls that health professionals are taking seriously.
A new study led by Dr. Andrew Monte of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus highlights a concerning trend.
Use of psilocybin—also known as “magic mushrooms”—has surged in recent years, particularly among younger adults and those over age 30.
Between 2019 and 2022, there was a 188% increase in psilocybin use among adults 30 and older.
Use of psilocybin—also known as “magic mushrooms”—has surged in recent years. Image Source: VICE TV / YouTube
Among people aged 18 to 29, use rose 44%. This timeline closely follows state-level changes that loosened legal restrictions on the drug.
As psilocybin use climbs, poison control centers are fielding more calls tied to its use
These incidents often involve hallucinations, confusion, agitation, and even self-harm.
In many cases, the people affected were using the substance alone or outside a clinical setting.
Adults over 30 accounted for the biggest increase in calls.
Experts say this is especially concerning, as some people in this age group may also have pre-existing conditions that can make side effects worse.
Psilocybin has been studied in controlled environments where trained professionals monitor every step of the experience.
But outside of a research setting, the drug’s effects can be unpredictable.
Psilocybin can cause heart to race and may interact dangerously with medications, especially antidepressants or treatments for cardiovascular disease.
A separate study published earlier this year also found a chilling connection between bad psychedelic experiences and long-term mental health risks.
People who had a severely negative psilocybin trip were more than twice as likely to die within five years, often from suicide.
The findings in this study are a reminder that even natural substances can carry serious risks—especially when used without supervision.
Read more:
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