When many people think of drug abuse, the substances that immediately come to mind may be such things as heroin, cocaine, crystal meth, or other similar items. They may not even consider, or be aware of, natural substances of abuse, which can include such things as hallucinogenic plants such as peyote or marijuana, or even certain types of mushrooms.
All substances of abuse, with the exception of crystal meth and possibly some others, have some natural substances, such as opium, which is extracted from the opium poppy, and cocaine, which is a product of the coca plant. Usually, however, it takes a chemical process or the introduction of chemical compounds to these natural substances to produce the product that is used in drug abuse. True natural substances, such as those mentioned in the first paragraph have their own natural hallucinogenic or chemical properties that can cause drug abuse.
Both marijuana and peyote are examples of this. The marijuana plant naturally contains cannibis, which is the addictive substance in that drug. Peyote grows wild in certain areas of the Southwest; it, too, contains its own natural chemicals. The same holds true for some types of mushrooms.
Different types of mushrooms can have hallucinogenic capabilities; however, Psilocybe Cubensis, more commonly known as the Liberty Cap mushroom, is the most widely-used one. Other species in the Psilocybe family include Psilocybe Mexicana, Psilocybe Hoogshagenii, and Psilocybe Zapotecorum, but again, the Liberty Cap mushroom is the most frequently used one.
Besides the dangers associated with using hallucinogenic mushrooms, there is also the danger of mistaking them for inedible or even poisonous mushrooms having the same or similar appearance. Ingestion of some of these mushrooms, whether through smoking, eating, or drinking in a “tea” or other drink can be life-threatening or even fatal.
Experts are pretty much in agreement that a physical addiction to mushrooms cannot occur; but the possibility for psychological addiction does exist. Further, they stress that whether an addiction is physical or psychological is not important. What is important is the fact that an addiction exists, and drug abuse treatment may be necessary.
It is, however, for the very reason stated above—that mushrooms are not physically addictive, that users may not consider their use of them a form of drug abuse, and therefore will not seek drug abuse treatment. It is vitally important that they be made to understand that the addiction is real, and treatment is needed.
Thankfully, many drug treatment centers do provide treatment for drug abuse caused by a person using mushrooms. By logging on to http://drugabusehelp.com or calling 1-800-559-9503, you can obtain more information on hallucinogenic mushrooms and where to get help for this type of drug abuse.
