Unsupervised use of psilocybin, or “magic mushrooms,” has accelerated among all age groups in the United States, but especially among adolescents and people 30 and older, a new study found. “The prevalence of psilocybin use in 2023 rose dramatically over the prior five years since states began liberalizing policy in 2019,” said study coauthor Dr. Andrew Monte, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. Use of psilocybin increased by 2.4% among 12th graders in 2023, an increase of 53% over five years, according to the study published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine. While the study only had official data through 2023, additional data being collected for 2024 is showing a continued rise, Monte said. Psilocybin use in 2023 among adults was higher than estimates for cocaine, illicit opioid use, methamphetamine or LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), the study found. Since 2019, these higher levels of psilocybin use reflected an increase of 188% among adults 30 and older and 44% among 18- to 29-year-olds. Adults with mental health or chronic pain conditions were more likely to use psilocybin, the study found. The trend is especially worrisome due to the corresponding rise of calls to poison control centers, especially among US adults 30 and older, according to the research. “As these drugs are used more in the community, you will see more adverse events, because people are not using psilocybin in a controlled setting such as a clinical trial, which is the only scenario in which we have study data on benefits,” said Monte, who is also the chief scientific officer and medical director at the Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety in Denver. A few clinical trials have found psychedelics show promise in treating depression, anxiety, substance use, and post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, said Dr. Petros Petridis, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City. He was not involved in the study. “These are powerful agents that can profoundly alter consciousness,” Petridis said via email. “In clinical trials, their use is tightly regulated, with careful psychological screening, preparation, and integration afterward to ensure safety and adequate emotional processing. Outside of those guardrails, the risk for adverse psychological reactions, especially in younger users without adequate support, increases substantially.” Because psilocybin leads to hallucinations, people may become agitated and hurt themselves or others and end up in a hospital emergency department, Monte said. “Psilocybin can cause your heart to race, so people with cardiovascular disease may be at increased risk of adverse cardiac events,” he said. “These drugs also interact with medications such as antidepressants, so it’s really important to talk to your doctor about potential dangers before you consider using psilocybin.” “My major take-home messages is that people need to plan before they trip,” Monte said. “You need a safe place and have somebody with you in case you have a bad reaction, which absolutely happens.” The downside of psychedelics The dangers of unsupervised use of psychedelics such as psilocybin should not be taken lightly, experts say. A study published in March found a link between bad psychedelic trips and a more than twofold increased risk of death within five years. The study found suicide to be the most common reason for an early death, along with unintentional drug poisoning, respiratory disease and cancer. About 1 in 20 people report ongoing difficulties after their psychedelic experience, Dr. Charles Raison, a professor of psychiatry and human ecology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, told CNN in a prior interview. He was not involved in the new research. “A year later, they say, ‘I had an experience that was so distressing to me that it messed up my ability to function, or alienated me from my family, or gave me post-traumatic stress disorder,’” Raison said. However, no study can definitively establish that increased mortality is due to a bad experience with a psychedelic, he said: “It could well be that the things that drove the person to have a bad psychedelic experience are the things that then also make them more likely to die.” A significant jump in use The new study analyzed data from five national drug surveys: the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the Survey of Non-Medical Use of Prescription Drugs, Monitoring the Future, the National Poison Data System and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Psilocybin use was relatively stable before the drug was first decriminalized in Denver in May 2019, according to the study. However, lifetime use of psilocybin increased from 10% to 12.1% of the US population between 2019 and 2023, moving from 25 million people to 31.3 million people as state and local governments have removed restrictions, according to the study. “Oregon and Colorado have legalized psilocybin, some jurisdictions have decriminalized possession, and other states have or are looking at approving medical use of psilocybin,” Monte said. While the current study did not look at rationales for psilocybin use, a national survey done by Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety does provides insights, he said. “We know a majority of use is still for recreational purposes, not medical purposes, even when people do have mental health conditions,” Monte said. “That’s worrisome due to the potential negative reactions when not used as directed by a doctor.” Much more study needs to be done before the full impact of recreational psilocybin use will be known, Raison said. “We don’t know what percentage of people would report benefit and what percentage would report harm and how severe that harm will be,” he said. “My guess, based on data to date, is that the increased use reflected in the study will produce both benefit and harm. I also suspect the harms would be reduced if psilocybin were administered in a safe setting, with appropriate supervision.”
Psilocybin use rising along with calls to poison control centers, study says
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Study Reveals Rising Psilocybin Use and Increased Calls to Poison Control Centers"
CNN
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
A recent study has highlighted a significant increase in the unsupervised use of psilocybin, commonly known as 'magic mushrooms,' across various age groups in the United States, with the most notable rise among adolescents and adults aged 30 and older. According to Dr. Andrew Monte, a coauthor of the study and a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, the prevalence of psilocybin usage has surged by 2.4% among 12th graders in 2023, marking a staggering 53% increase over the past five years since states began liberalizing policies surrounding the substance in 2019. The findings, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, reveal that the number of adults using psilocybin has dramatically outpaced that of other illicit drugs, such as cocaine and opioids, with a reported 188% increase among adults over 30 and a 44% increase among young adults aged 18 to 29. This trend is concerning, particularly in light of the rising number of calls received by poison control centers, which have shown a marked increase in adverse events related to psilocybin usage, especially among older adults.
Experts caution that the unsupervised use of psilocybin can lead to severe psychological and physical risks. Dr. Monte warns that without the controlled environment of clinical trials, where psychedelics are administered with rigorous psychological screening and support, individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing adverse reactions. Psilocybin can cause hallucinations and agitation, potentially leading to self-harm or harm to others, and it poses particular risks for individuals with preexisting cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, interactions with other medications, such as antidepressants, can exacerbate these dangers. While some clinical studies have shown that psychedelics may effectively treat mental health conditions like depression and PTSD, the lack of supervision in recreational settings raises significant concerns. As psilocybin use continues to rise, experts emphasize the need for individuals to approach its use cautiously, ensuring they have a safe environment and support system in place to mitigate potential negative effects.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a significant rise in psilocybin use in the United States, particularly among adolescents and adults over 30. This trend is alarming due to the associated increase in calls to poison control centers, indicating potential risks related to unsupervised consumption of psilocybin. The discussion surrounding psilocybin is particularly relevant as it contrasts with more traditional illicit drugs, suggesting a shift in societal attitudes towards psychedelic substances.
Public Perception and Concerns
The publication of this study may aim to raise awareness about the growing trend of psilocybin use, especially as it pertains to the risks involved. By emphasizing the link between increased use and calls to poison control centers, the article seeks to create a cautionary narrative regarding unsupervised consumption. This could foster public discourse about the safety and regulation of psilocybin, potentially influencing policies and personal choices regarding its use.
Potential Omissions
While the article discusses the risks, it may understate the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, which have been highlighted in clinical trials. By focusing primarily on the adverse effects without a balanced view of its medical potential, the article could be perceived as biased, leading to a one-sided understanding of the substance.
Manipulative Elements
The article’s language conveys a sense of urgency and concern, which may be seen as manipulative. Phrasing such as “worrisome” and the emphasis on poison control calls may invoke fear rather than encourage a balanced discussion about psilocybin use. There is a danger that this framing could stigmatize individuals who use psilocybin for therapeutic purposes, rather than acknowledging the complexity of its effects.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to other recent articles on drug use, this piece seems to fit into a broader narrative regarding the changing landscape of drug policy in the U.S. The focus on psilocybin aligns with other discussions about the legalization of psychedelics, reflecting a societal shift towards more liberal drug policies. However, it also highlights the challenges that come with such changes, particularly concerning safety and public health.
Impact on Society and Economy
This article could influence societal attitudes towards psilocybin and similar substances, potentially impacting legislative discussions around drug policy. Economically, increased regulation or education regarding psilocybin could emerge as a consequence, affecting industries related to mental health and substance use treatment.
Target Audience
The article seems to resonate more with health-conscious communities and those concerned about mental health and substance abuse. By focusing on the health risks associated with psilocybin, it may appeal to audiences who prioritize public safety and caution against drug use.
Market Implications
The discussion of psilocybin's rising use may influence market perceptions regarding psychedelic-assisted therapies. Companies involved in the production or research of psilocybin-related treatments could see fluctuations in stock value based on public sentiment and regulatory changes that stem from the concerns raised in the article.
Broader Geopolitical Context
While the article primarily focuses on domestic issues, the rising interest in psilocybin and psychedelics could reflect broader global trends in drug policy reform. This aligns with ongoing discussions about mental health treatment and the need for innovative approaches to psychological well-being, making it relevant in a larger geopolitical context.
Artificial Intelligence in Reporting
There is a possibility that AI tools were used in crafting this article, particularly in analyzing trends and synthesizing data from various studies. The structured presentation and focus on statistics suggest a data-driven approach, which AI models can facilitate. However, the framing and emphasis on certain aspects over others could indicate human editorial influence to achieve specific narrative goals.
The article presents a nuanced but cautionary view of the increasing use of psilocybin, balancing public concern with the potential for therapeutic applications. However, its focus on the risks associated with unsupervised use raises questions about the overall representation of psilocybin in public discourse. The reliability of the information presented is moderate, as it is based on current studies but may not fully encompass the broader context of psilocybin's potential benefits.