What are The Key Differences of Shrooms vs Acid?

Everyone is aware of the dangers associated with drug use. However, that doesn’t always stop people from experimenting with them. The reasons for turning to drugs and alcohol are varied, ranging from social acceptance to stress relief and the pursuit of excitement. Some individuals are drawn to psychedelics for their dissociative properties, often believing they are less likely to lead to addiction. Recently, there has been growing interest in the therapeutic potential of these substances for the treatment of mental health disorders. Two of the most commonly abused hallucinogenic drugs are LSD (acid) and shrooms. We will explore the main differences between shrooms vs acid and the associated risks of using either substance.

Both shrooms and acid are powerful hallucinogens that can significantly change a person’s perception of their surroundings. However, there are notable distinctions between the two. LSD, or acid, is a fully synthetic substance derived from the ergot fungus. In contrast, shrooms are natural psychedelic mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin, which is consumed by eating the mushrooms. Unlike LSD, shrooms typically do not induce intense visual hallucinations or delusions. Instead, they alter the user’s perception of objects, people, and their overall reality. Additionally, the effects of acid tend to last longer, usually around 8 hours, but can extend up to 10 to 12 hours.

Are Shrooms Addictive?

The question of whether psilocybin mushrooms are addictive is a topic of ongoing debate. Most experts agree that while there is a greater risk of psychological dependence, the risk of physical dependence is relatively low. Psilocybin mushrooms lack the same addictive potential as more commonly abused drugs, like opioids and stimulants. Research shows that people who engage in regular shroom use do not follow the typical cycle of addiction. However, continuously using shrooms for their pleasurable effects can lead to some problematic and compulsive patterns of use.

While shrooms are unlikely to cause physical dependence—where the body requires a substance to function normally—there is a possibility of developing a psychological addiction. Some people may feel compelled to continue using shrooms to maintain happiness or a sense of enlightenment. Similar to other types of drug misuse, others may use shrooms as a way to self-medicate mental health issues, which can lead to psychological addiction. It’s worth noting that when used in a controlled setting under the guidance of a trained professional, shrooms may offer therapeutic benefits. However, without such supervision, there are significant risks involved, including the potential for misuse and addiction.

What Do Shrooms Do to Your Brain?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains that when psilocybin is ingested, it transforms into psilocin within the body. This psychoactive compound binds to and activates serotonin receptor sites in the brain, particularly the serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5HT2a) receptors. Psilocin activity at these receptors alters how the brain works and how various regions communicate with one another, which contributes to a person’s profound change in consciousness. This interaction leads to hallucinations, altered perception and changes in consciousness.

Short-term effects of shrooms on the brain include euphoria, visual and auditory hallucinations, altered sense of time, and spiritual experiences. In clinical settings, shrooms have been found to produce a rapid and persistent therapeutic effect. Some clinical trials on animals have shown that psilocybin improves neuroplasticity in various regions of the brain, which shows promise in combating a number of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. With the growing opioid epidemic in California, shroom therapy has also shown some promise in helping treat opioid use disorder and other forms of addiction.

Despite the increasing interest in their therapeutic applications, there is also evidence pointing to negative impacts on the brain from extended use. Long-term shroom use has been associated with potential alterations in brain chemistry, particularly the serotonin system, which can disrupt mood regulation, emotional stability, and cognitive functions. Additionally, there is a risk of developing hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD). Although rare, individuals with HPPD may experience recurring visual disturbances for weeks or months following psilocybin use, even when not under the influence. Users may also encounter sudden flashbacks and vivid re-experiences of sensory perceptions or emotions linked to previous psychedelic encounters.

What Kind of Drug Is Acid?

Lysergic acid diethylamide, often referred to as LSD or Acid, is a powerful hallucinogenic substance. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation explains that this synthetic compound is derived from ergot, a type of fungus that grows on rye. LSD is known for its ability to induce profound alterations in perception and consciousness, primarily by influencing serotonin levels in the brain, much like psilocybin found in mushrooms. Recent studies indicate that when administered in a controlled clinical environment, LSD may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Some effects of acid include:

Visual effects include vivid colors, blurred vision, and distorted shapes and colors. Mood changes like euphoria, peacefulness, despair, anxiety, and confusion. Distorted perception of time. Unusual insight or terrifying thoughts. Dry mouth. Reduced appetite. Dizziness and lightheadedness. Sweating. Weakness. Tremors.

LSD is not considered a physically addictive drug; regular recreational use can result in behavioral addiction. Comparing acid vs shrooms, acid can lead to tolerance, meaning users may require larger doses to achieve similar effects over time. As dosage increases, so do the chances of experiencing adverse psychological effects or a “bad trip.” Additionally, LSD addiction can develop from users wanting to self-medicate mental health issues, from peer pressure, and a genetic predisposition to addictive behavior.

Where Are Acidic Drugs Absorbed?

LSD, often referred to as “acid,” is an extremely potent hallucinogenic substance. It can be found in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquids that are absorbed into items like blotter paper, sugar cubes, candies, and even postage stamps, which can be ingested or licked. This drug can also penetrate the skin, entering the bloodstream through transdermal absorption. The immediate effects of LSD stem from its ability to alter the brain’s response to serotonin. By binding to serotonin receptors, it changes neural pathways, leading to vivid visual hallucinations and a distorted sense of time.

An “acid trip” can last for up to 12 hours. However, there is evidence of detrimental, long-term effects. LSD can impact brain structure and chemistry, disrupting the normal functioning of serotonin in the brain. Many individuals who use LSD experience flashbacks many days or months after taking the last dose. It also poses a risk for HPPD, similar to shrooms. Additionally, while there is no direct link between schizophrenia and LSD, there is evidence that individuals who are predisposed to this mental health disorder may have an earlier onset of schizophrenia or experience symptoms flaring up following acid use.

Shrooms vs Acid: Treatment Options at Living Longer Recovery

The addiction potential of shrooms vs acid varies, and while neither drug shows evidence of physical addiction, individuals are at risk for developing behavioral addiction. There are also several long-term effects that can occur from frequent use. At Living Longer Recovery near Palm Springs, California, we offer tailored treatment plans designed to address all forms of drug and alcohol dependence. Our addiction treatment programs aim to identify the root causes of shroom and acid use, allowing us to create effective strategies for managing behavioral addictions. Additionally, patients can begin their journey toward recovery in our medical detox programs, which help eliminate drugs and toxins from the body safely and comfortably.

If you or a loved one are struggling with shrooms or acid misuse, numerous treatment options are available to help reclaim your life. Contact Living Longer today at 866-714-3294 to discover more about our treatment programs.

External Sources

National Institute on Drug Abuse – Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms) 

Alcohol and Drug Foundation – LSD

Healthline – LSD vs. Mushrooms: Same but Different