Microdosing and Mushrooms: A Resurfacing Trend Among Teens

Psilocybin is the mind-altering psychedelic compound found in “magic mushrooms,” and lately it has resurfaced online as a so-called wellness hack. This is especially true with microdosing, where users take tiny amounts of a substance, hoping for better mood, focus, or creativity without “tripping.”

But what may look harmless on TikTok to many teens can negatively affect a developing brain. Even small doses can trigger anxiety, panic, paranoia, poor sleep, and, in some cases, persistent psychosis/hallucinations. 

U.S. poison center calls involving psilocybin more than tripled among teens ages 13–19 between 2018 and 2022, highlighting more exposure and more risk than many parents realize [1]. 

What Is Microdosing, and Why Are Teens Trying It?

Microdosing usually means taking very small amounts of a psychedelic, most commonly psilocybin “magic mushrooms”, often with the goal of getting subtle effects without feeling fully intoxicated or hallucinating. People expect to function normally while noticing changes like a slightly different mood, energy, or focus. For teens, microdosing can show up as an occasional experiment or as a repeated pattern tied to school stress, social life, or mental health struggles.

Teens are trying it for a mix of reasons: curiosity, peer influence, and the belief that it’s a “natural” shortcut to feeling better. Social media plays a big role with podcasters like Joe Rogan often discussing the benefits—microdosing is sometimes framed as a wellness hack for anxiety, depression, ADHD symptoms, creativity, confidence, or even athletic and academic performance. 

Some teens also see it as “safer than pills” or “not really doing drugs” because they’re not aiming to get high, which can lower their guard and increase risky behavior over time. The problem is that teen brains and mental health are still developing, and the science around microdosing (especially for teens) is limited. 

Effects can be unpredictable, products can vary widely in strength or be mislabeled or contaminated, and it may worsen anxiety, panic attacks, or paranoia. Teens with a history of trauma or underlying mental health conditions or a family history of bipolar disorder or psychosis are at an increased risk. So even if the intention is self-improvement, the outcome can often be the opposite.

Psilocybin Mushrooms: Risks, Effects, and What Teens Believe vs. What’s True

Psilocybin mushrooms are often described online as “natural,” “non-addictive,” or even “therapeutic.” And while researchers are studying psilocybin in highly controlled clinical settings for adults with specific mental health conditions, that’s very different from teen use. 

One batch can be mild, while another can be far more potent. For adolescents, whose brains are still developing in areas tied to impulse control, emotional regulation, and understanding risk and reward, the psychological effects can be overwhelming and destabilizing. Some myths about magic mushrooms that teens should be aware of include [2]: 
‍

1. Belief: “It’s natural, so it’s safe.”
   Reality: Many natural substances are powerful and potentially harmful. Psilocybin directly affects serotonin receptors in the brain and can significantly alter perception and mood.

2. Belief: “Microdosing doesn’t really count as using drugs.”
   Reality: Even small, repeated doses can impact mood, anxiety levels, and sleep. Long-term effects of teen microdosing are not well studied.
3. Belief: “It helps with depression or anxiety.”
   Reality: Clinical research in adults is conducted under medical supervision with strict screening. Unsupervised teen use can worsen anxiety, increase panic, or intensify emotional instability.

4. Belief: “You can’t get addicted.”
   Reality: While psilocybin may not cause classic physical withdrawal like opioids or alcohol, teens can develop psychological reliance—especially if they begin using it to cope with stress, trauma, or social pressure.
   

Warning Signs a Teen May Be Using Mushrooms or Microdosing

Mushroom use and microdosing can be easy to miss because teens may not appear obviously “high,” especially if they’re taking small amounts. Instead, parents often notice a gradual pattern of changes in mood, sleep, motivation, or social behavior, along with increased secrecy about where they’re going, who they’re with, or what they’re doing online. 

Because psilocybin can intensify emotions and perception, some teens also seem unusually sensitive, spaced out, or “not quite themselves” even if they’re still going through the motions of school and daily life.

Microdosing can also overlap with other substance use, which increases risk and makes behavior more unpredictable. Some warning signs to be mindful of include [3]: 

• Sudden secrecy about friends or online activity 
• Interest in psychedelics, plant medicine, wellness “hacks”
• Mood swings, irritability, aggression, paranoia 
• Sudden secrecy about friends, plans, or phone activity
• Increased anxiety, panic attacks 
• Changes in sleep (staying up late, vivid dreams, or nightmares) 
• Decline in grades, motivation 
• Isolation, avoiding family, odd changes in behavior 
• Nausea, stomach upset, headaches, dizziness 

Mental Health Concerns and Who’s Most Vulnerable

Some teens are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health concerns than others after abusing psilocybin or any type of psychedelic. Mental health risks include intense anxiety or panic attacks from a “bad trip’, psychosis-like reactions (feeling disconnected from self and reality), with microdosing, users report insomnia, increased anxiety/depression, and low mood [4]. 

Teens are at an increased risk of experiencing these concerns, including teens: 

• With a personal or family history of psychosis/schizophrenia or severe bipolar disorder.
• With a history of trauma and high baseline anxiety, or those who experience frequent panic attacks. 
• Who mix substances, especially cannabis or alcohol, may have more intense reactions. 

Talking With Your Teen About Magic Mushrooms 

Although microdosing magic mushrooms isn’t a widespread or common problem among teens, the risk is there, and having open conversations with your teenager can go a long way in helping educate them on the risks and reality of drug use, even if branded as “natural”. 

Stay calm and start with curiosity, not accusations. Pick a low-stress moment (car ride, walk, after dinner) and bring up changes you have noticed: “I’ve seen you seem more withdrawn, and your sleep has changed. I’m not here to punish you, but I’m worried about your safety.” 

Ask open-ended questions to find out where they stand and what they know about the subject. Teens are more likely to talk when they don’t feel cornered. Remind them that even substances that are natural don’t automatically mean safe—especially for a brain that’s still developing.

Seek professional help sooner rather than later if use is recurring, secrecy is increasing, school or relationships are sliding, or your teen is using magic mushrooms to self-medicate anxiety, depression, or trauma. 

Teen Substance Use Treatment for Psychedelic Abuse in Florida 

Lotus Behavioral Health is a residential treatment facility for teens located in Florida. Our structured inpatient and outpatient programs are designed to support teens and their families with the tools they need to recover from substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders, including hallucinogens such as psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA. 

Our compassionate team understands the complexity of substance use in teens and how party culture can increase the risk of abusing psychedelics. We offer a blend of comprehensive substance use services, such as individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, creative arts therapies, and skill-building workshops to help teens recover from addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. 

Contact our admissions team today for the compassionate support your teen deserves. 

Sources 

[1] Kellogg, J. et al. 2025. Mushroom 'microdosing' trend has led to increased poison control center calls and ER visits. PBS. 

[2] Gold, M. 2026. Magic Mushrooms, Teens, and Young Adults. Psychology Today. 

[3] Alcohol & Drug Foundation. 2025. Psilocybin. 

[4] Wesseldijk, LW. et al. Adolescent Psychedelic Use and Psychotic or Manic Symptoms. JAMA Psychiatry. 2024 Jun 1;81(6):579-585.