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Can Magic Mushrooms Helps with ADHD?
Magic Mushrooms and ADHD: What The Research Says
With over 366 million adults around the world (as of 2020) still struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it’s clear that we still have a long way to go in terms of treating this neuro-developmental disorder.
The primary markers of ADHD are persistent hyperactivity and a chronic inability to focus, so much so that it interferes with an adult or child’s ability to function normally. There are several other ADHD symptoms, though they usually fall under either inattention or impulsivity. These can make it difficult to succeed academically and professionally, as well as in social settings and in personal relationships.
Given how common ADHD is, there have been many different types of medications that have been developed to help patients manage and reduce symptoms in all stages of life. Typically, a combination of medicines, lifestyle changes, and various types of therapy have been found to be effective for patients though there is no one-size fits-all solution. When it comes to medications, various stimulants and non-stimulants may be prescribed to patients.
Recently, cannabis or cannabis oil has also been shown to be effective as an adjunct therapy for ADHD, complimenting existing treatments given to patients. Cannabis, being all natural and non-addictive, helping to activate the reward system in the brain – thereby enabling the production of more dopamine than usual. Both THC and CBD have been shown to offer benefits for individuals with ADHD, acting in different ways within the body.
Now, thanks to the current psychedelic revolution, we’re discovering that magic mushrooms may just be among the psychedelic drugs that can also help with ADHD.
What New Studies Say
According to a recent study published in the journal, Frontiers in Psychiatry, microdosing magic mushrooms can help with focus and concentration, benefiting patients with ADHD. After all, disassociating and spacing out are some of the most common symptoms of ADHD.
For the study, the investigators analyzed 233 adults who were either diagnosed with ADHD or had symptoms similar to the condition; all of them expressed curiosity in microdosing. Eline C. H. M. Haijen, the study’s author and a PhD candidate at the Maastricht University’s Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology explains to PsyPost that some 3% of adults have ADHD and its hallmark symptoms are debilitating. “Some studies even suggest that emotion regulation should be considered a core component of ADHD, as it is experienced by up to 70% by adults with ADHD. Emotion regulation involves all attempts to influence emotional experience and responses. For example, it may involve the ability to reinterpret an emotion-eliciting situation (i.e., cognitive reappraisal), but also the inhibiting strong positive and negative emotional responses (i.e., expressive suppression),” she adds.
Empathy, says Haijen, is related to emotion regulation. When emotional regulation, and/or empathy are affected, individuals’ social and emotional functions will also be affected.
Not one but two studies were thereby conducted to best determine if microdosing psychedelics had an impact on adults who were struggling with severe ADHD symptoms. They found that after 4 weeks of microdosing, the first study participants reported drastic improvements when it came to emotional regulation as well as empathy. Their scores for cognitive reappraisal also saw improvements, which suggested that the participants had better tools for dealing with tense or emotional situations that helped them reduce their negative impact. In addition, they saw a reduction in expressive suppression, which suggests that the participants weren’t trying to withhold their emotional response, which is a much healthier way to deal with one’s emotions.
Interestingly, the researchers also noted better perspective-taking scores.
Meanwhile, the second study used a control group for a more thorough analysis. They studied individuals with ADHD who were using their standard ADHD medications though they weren’t microdosing. This was done in order to give them a better idea of how traditional ADHD medications fared compared to microdosing. They found that the group who was microdosing reported more dramatic improvements in ADHD symptoms especially in terms of emotional regulation, but there were no significant differences between the two when they assessed cognitive reappraisal.
“We compared individuals with ADHD who were microdosing to individuals with ADHD who were using conventional ADHD medication,” explained Haijen to PsyPost. “We found that microdosing, compared to conventional ADHD medication, induced positive effects on core ADHD symptoms and one aspect of emotional regulation, expressive suppression, which might indicate improved emotion regulation after four weeks of microdosing compared to baseline,” she said.
Why We Need More ADHD Drugs In The Market
Breakthroughs such as the use of magic mushrooms or marijuana for ADHD are important, and always will be.
Just because some medications that work in the market doesn’t mean it will always stay that way. Keep in mind that patients can actually develop resistance to treatment over time, which will inevitably reduce the effectiveness of any medicine. New treatments and medications being developed are essential so that ADHD patients can be offered alternative therapeutics if they are no longer responding to their current medicines.
We specifically need more natural and plant-based medications for ADHD, just like magic mushrooms and cannabis. That’s because stimulants and other conventional treatments for ADHD have questionable safety when it comes to long-term use. Meanwhile, cannabis and mushrooms are safer for use in the long run.
It also needs to be said that the side effects of common ADHD prescription drugs, such as Adderall and Ritalin, can often be so horrible that they patients taking them from living a normal quality of life – on top of ADHD symptoms at that. For example, Ritalin’s side effects include headaches, nervousness, anxiety, appetite loss, dizziness, and stomach pain among others. Meanwhile, Adderall is known to cause insomnia, elevated blood pressure and heart rate, dry mouth, dizziness, heart problems, mental health problems, and much more.
Conclusion
While we need more studies delving deep into the benefits of magic mushrooms and psychedelics for ADHD, it’s clear that this is a promising therapeutic alternative to traditional ADHD drugs. While this condition may be notoriously hard to treat, there’s now more hope than ever.
CANNABIS AND ADHD MEDS, READ ON…
“How Long Does One Puff of Weed Stay in Your System?”… This topic can be difficult to answer since it is dependent on elements such as the size of the hit and what constitutes a “one hit.” If you take a large bong pull then cough, it might linger in your system for 5-7 days. A moderate dose from a joint can last 3-5 days, whereas a few hits from a vaporizer may last 1-3 days.
The length of time that marijuana stays in the body varies based on a number of factors, including metabolism, THC levels, frequency of use, and hydration.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. THC and its metabolites, which remain in your body long after the effects have subsided, are detected by drug tests.
Since these metabolites are fat-soluble, they cling to bodily fat molecules. They could thus take a while to fully pass through your system, particularly if your body fat percentage is higher.
THC is absorbed by tissues and organs (including the brain, heart, and fat) and converted by the liver into chemicals such as 11-hydroxy-THC and carboxy-THC. Cannabis is eliminated in feces at a rate of around 65%, while urine accounts for 20%. The leftover amount might be kept within the body.
THC deposited in bodily tissues ultimately re-enters the circulation and is processed by the liver. For frequent users, THC accumulates in fatty tissues quicker than it can be removed, thus it may be detectable in drug tests for days or weeks following consumption.
The detection time varies according to the amount and frequency of cannabis usage. Higher dosages and regular usage result in longer detection times.
The type of drug test also affects detection windows. Blood and saliva tests typically detect cannabis metabolites for shorter periods, while urine and hair samples can reveal use for weeks or even months. In some cases, hair tests have detected cannabis use over 90 days after consumption.
Detection Windows for Various Cannabis Drug Tests
Urine Tests
Among all drug tests, urine testing is the most commonly used method for screening for drug use in an individual.
Detection times vary, but a 2017 review suggests the following windows for cannabis in urine after last use:
– Single-use (e.g., one joint): up to 3 days
– Moderate use (around 4 times a week): 5–7 days
– Chronic use (daily): 10–15 days
– Chronic heavy use (multiple times daily): over 30 days
Blood Tests
Blood tests generally detect recent cannabis use, typically within 2–12 hours after consumption. However, in cases of heavy use, cannabis has been detected up to 30 days later. Chronic heavy use can extend the detection period in the bloodstream.
Saliva Tests
THC can enter saliva through secondhand cannabis smoke, but THC metabolites are only present if you’ve personally smoked or ingested cannabis.
Saliva testing has a short detection window and can sometimes identify cannabis use on the same day. A 2020 review found that THC was detectable in the saliva of frequent users for up to 72 hours after use, and it may remain in saliva longer than in blood following recent use.
In areas where cannabis is illegal, saliva testing is often used for roadside screenings.
Hair Tests
Hair follicle tests can detect cannabis use for up to 90 days. After use, cannabinoids reach the hair follicles through small blood vessels and from sebum and sweat surrounding the hair.
Hair grows at approximately 0.5 inches per month, so a 1.5-inch segment of hair close to the scalp can reveal cannabis use over the past three months.
Factors Affecting THC and Metabolite Retention
The length of time THC and its metabolites stay in your system depends on various factors. Some, like body mass index (BMI) and metabolic rate, relate to individual body processing, not the drug itself.
Other factors are specific to cannabis use, including:
– Dosage: How much you consume
– Frequency: How often you use cannabis
– Method of consumption: Smoking, dabbing, edibles, or sublingual
– THC potency: Higher potency can extend detection time
Higher doses and more frequent use generally extend THC retention. Cannabis consumed orally may remain in the system slightly longer than smoked cannabis, and stronger cannabis strains, higher in THC, may also stay detectable for a longer period.
How Quickly Do the Effects of Cannabis Set In?
When smoking cannabis, effects appear almost immediately, while ingested cannabis may take 1–3 hours to peak.
The psychoactive component THC produces a “high” with common effects such as:
– Altered senses, including perception of time
– Mood changes
– Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
– Impaired memory
Other short-term effects can include:
– Anxiety and confusion
– Decreased coordination
– Dry mouth and eyes
– Nausea or lightheadedness
– Trouble focusing
– Increased appetite
– Rapid heart rate
– Restlessness and sleepiness
In rare cases, high doses may lead to hallucinations, delusions, or acute psychosis.
Regular cannabis use may have additional mental and physical effects. While research is ongoing, cannabis use may increase the risk of:
– Cognitive issues like memory loss
– Cardiovascular problems including heart disease and stroke
– Respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or lung infections
– Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
Cannabis use during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal growth and development.
Duration of Effects
Short-term effects generally taper off within 1–3 hours, but for chronic users, some long-term effects may last days, weeks, or even months. Certain effects may even be permanent.
Bottom Line
The amount of time that cannabis remains in your system following a single use varies greatly depending on individual characteristics such as body fat, metabolism, frequency of use, and mode of intake. Frequent users may maintain traces of THC for weeks, whereas infrequent users may test positive for as little as a few days. Hair tests can disclose usage for up to 90 days, while blood and saliva tests identify more recent use. Urine tests are the most popular and have varying detection durations. The duration that THC and its metabolites are detectable will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including dose, strength, and individual body chemistry.
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Is kratom addictive? Discover the potential for dependence on Kratom, the risks involved with its use, and how to approach its consumption responsibly.
From 2011 to 2017, over 1,800 calls to poison centers involved kratom in the U.S. This significant number highlights the concern regarding kratom addiction.
However, without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight, and due to various consumption methods like teas and capsules, there are significant health risks. Safe use of kratom is now in question due to these issues.
Research debates how dependence develops, outlining signs like loss of control and withdrawal symptoms. These signs are seen in regular kratom users. Ironically, some people switch from drugs like heroin to kratom, looking for a legal alternative.
Understanding Kratom: Origins and Prevalence
Kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia. It can act like a stimulant or like opioids, based on how much you take. People use it in different ways, for a small energy boost or stronger effects at higher doses.
The legal status of kratom in the U.S. is complicated and changing. It’s a hot topic because some worry about its misuse. It’s still legal in several states. This shows how different places handle drug rules. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is looking into its medical benefits. But, the FDA hasn’t approved it for medical use yet. The DEA calls it a “drug of concern,” which means policies might change.
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From 2011 to 2017, poison control centers in the U.S. got over 1,800 reports about kratom. This shows it’s widely used and might pose health risks.
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Kratom’s main ingredients bind to opioid receptors very strongly, stronger than morphine even. This fact is key to understanding its effects.
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As more people use kratom, more are reporting serious health problems. These include liver and heart issues, and tough withdrawal symptoms, particularly in those already sick.
The statistics show mounting worries about kratom in the U.S. As its use grows, it’s becoming more important to health policies and laws. What happens next will depend on further research and legal decisions.
Is Kratom Addictive: Investigating the Substance’s Nature
The question of kratom’s addictiveness focuses on how it affects brain receptors and its long-term health implications. The ongoing debate highlights concerns about dependence and the risk of addiction. Scientists are closely looking at these issues.
How Kratom Works in the Brain
Kratom’s main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, similar to painkillers and narcotics. This connection suggests a potential risk of dependence. These alkaloids are key to kratom’s pain relief but also point to possible addiction concerns, especially with frequent, high-dose usage.
Patterns and Consequences of Long-term Use
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Using kratom often, especially in large doses, can increase the risk of dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms, similar to opioid withdrawal.
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Although some use it for pain or to improve mood, long-term kratom users might see serious health problems, like liver damage and mental health issues.
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Withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, nausea, and sleep problems, show kratom’s impact on one’s physical and mental health.
Assessment of Addiction Risks
Studies indicate a significant risk of addiction to kratom, especially with high doses or frequent use. Dependence develops as the body gets used to kratom, leading to tolerance and a need for more to feel its effects. Withdrawal symptoms emphasize this risk, as highlighted by health experts.
Physiological Effects: Kratom’s Impact on the Body
There is a lot of debate about the safety and use of kratom. This herbal extract comes from the Mitragyna speciosa plant. It has drawn attention for its possible harmful effects on the body. The FDA has issued many warnings about kratom, raising safety concerns.
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Kratom Adverse Effects: Kratom users have reported side effects like nausea, vomiting, and confusion. More serious issues include high blood pressure and liver damage. These problems highlight the risks of using kratom.
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Herbal Extract Safety: Some kratom products contain heavy metals and pathogens. These can cause severe health issues, including death. This shows the importance of safety in herbal products.
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FDA Warnings and Regulations: The FDA has linked kratom to over 35 deaths and warns against using it. They point out the lack of medical uses and the risk of addiction.
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Physiological Impact: Kratom’s effects depend on the dose and the user’s body. Yet, it can lead to dangerous outcomes like liver damage and seizures.
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Safety Concerns from Authorities: Federal agencies like the DEA are worried about kratom’s safety. Although not a controlled substance, monitoring suggests users should be careful.
Kratom might offer temporary relief for some ailments, but it comes with significant risks. The FDA’s warnings should make people think twice. If considering kratom, it’s crucial to talk to a doctor first. Experts stress the need for safety and caution with herbal extracts.
Conclusion
Kratom’s role in health and regulation is complex, with views and research findings widely varied. Some people use kratom for its claimed health benefits, but it’s a hot topic. Experts advise caution and suggest consulting a doctor before using kratom due to the unclear effects.
Clinical studies using scores like SOWS and COWS haven’t confirmed withdrawal symptoms from kratom. This adds to the debate, especially when some users report withdrawal. This makes kratom a controversial subject among different findings and user experiences.
When it comes to treating opioid addiction, kratom can be both helpful and harmful. Some have used it successfully to fight addiction. Yet, some states have banned it. This highlights the need for regulations and consistent product quality. It also raises questions about kratom’s legal status due to mixed actions by authorities.
The situation shows how complex kratom is in the realm of substance use and law. Without clear evidence supporting either its benefits or risks, it poses a challenge. More research is needed to guide regulations and health advice. For now, anyone thinking of using kratom should be careful, seek medical advice, and keep up with laws and health guidelines.
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