The growing popularity of magic mushrooms, driven by increasing interest in their potential mental health benefits, has raised concerns among experts about the risks associated with recreational use of psilocybin, the active compound in these mushrooms.
While clinical trials exploring psilocybin as a treatment for various mental health conditions have shown promising results, experts caution that using the substance outside of controlled environments could lead to significant psychological harm. In countries where psilocybin use is legal, psychedelic retreats and companies have proliferated, offering experiences to individuals seeking mental health solutions. However, a rise in the drug’s popularity on the illegal market has sparked concern, particularly as the latest data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that psilocybin was the only illegal drug to see an increase in use in 2024, with a 37.5% rise among 16- to 59-year-olds.
Despite its rising popularity—psilocybin is now used by approximately 300,000 people in the UK—mental health professionals are warning that unregulated use of the substance can lead to a range of adverse effects, including anxiety, insomnia, trauma, and persistent visual disturbances known as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). In some cases, users may also experience feelings of depersonalization, where they feel detached from their bodies or surroundings.
Dr. Jules Evans, director of the Challenging Psychedelic Experience academic research project, noted that many individuals who use psychedelics recreationally are unprepared for the potential negative consequences. “People are often unaware of the severe difficulties they may experience long after their trip,” Evans said. “Some people are retraumatized by challenging psychedelic experiences, especially when taken in suboptimal settings.”
The risks extend beyond the individual experiences of users. Mainstream healthcare professionals, including GPs and therapists, often lack the specific knowledge required to treat the effects of psilocybin use, leading to potential misdiagnoses such as psychosis or mania. Experts emphasize the need for specialized care for those who experience negative effects from the drug, yet such services remain limited.
Research into the prevalence of post-psychedelic harms remains ongoing, but a recent study found that 8.9% of individuals who used psychedelics regularly reported enduring impairments lasting longer than one day. One such individual, Ed Prideaux, who suffers from HPPD, continues to experience optical illusions years after his psychedelic use. “Basically everyone in the psychedelic community has had at least one similar experience,” he said.
In response to the rise in psychedelic-related issues, a number of clinics have been established in Europe to provide specialized care. One such clinic, Ambulanz Psychedelische Substanzen in Berlin, was founded by psychiatrist Tomislav Majić in 2018. Majić observed that many individuals seeking help had been previously treated by clinicians unfamiliar with the specific effects and risks of psychedelics. He noted, “There has been an increase in problems related to psilocybin and other classic psychedelics, most likely due to their growing popularity and sometimes overly enthusiastic portrayal in the media.”
The UK has also seen the launch of its first specialist psychedelic clinic, the Psychedelic Experience Clinic, founded by Timmy Davis. Davis, who has worked on clinical trials, emphasized the lack of post-trial care for recreational users. “People often see psychedelics as a solution to mental health conditions without fully understanding the complexities involved,” he said, warning that many individuals seeking help may be misguided in their approach to healing.
David Erritzoe, an associate professor in psychedelic research at Imperial College London, pointed out that while psilocybin has shown therapeutic potential in clinical settings, the psychedelic experience can be difficult to navigate, especially in uncontrolled environments. “Psychedelic experiences can feel dreamlike and extremely real, which makes people more susceptible to suggestibility,” he explained. “Without proper preparation and a safe environment, these experiences can be anxiety-provoking or even fear-inducing.”
Erritzoe also cautioned against the hype surrounding psilocybin, particularly with practices like microdosing, which he believes lack strong scientific backing. Despite these concerns, he remains optimistic about psilocybin’s therapeutic potential, noting that its clinical trials have shown minimal adverse effects due to careful screening and controlled settings. He suggested that psilocybin could be approved for medical use in the UK within the next few years, joining ketamine as a treatment option for certain mental health conditions.
As the popularity of magic mushrooms continues to rise, experts are calling for more research, better education for healthcare providers, and greater caution in the recreational use of psilocybin. While the drug may offer benefits for some when used responsibly in clinical settings, experts stress that unsupervised use could lead to significant and long-lasting psychological distress.
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