Health – assessment blog

In health we have been learning about decision making for drugs and alcohol.

for the assessment we have to choose out of a list of 17 drugs. The drug I choose to work on for this assessment is Psilocybin mushrooms/Magic mushrooms.

The other names for Psilocybin mushrooms/Magic mushrooms such as Mush, Shrooms, Psychedelic fungi, Tea party, Blue meanies.

Magic mushrooms can be found in different types, like golden tops, blue meanies, and liberty caps, in Australia. They look similar to regular mushrooms but can be dangerous because they can make people very sick or even cause death. Sometimes, they are dried and put in capsules. There’s also synthetic psilocybin, which is a white powder that can be made into tablets or dissolved in water.

Magic mushrooms are natural mushrooms that people eat to experience strange and unreal feelings. These mushrooms contain a substance called psilocybin, which, when consumed, changes into a chemical called psilocin in the body. Psilocin is what makes people see and hear things that aren’t real. Magic mushrooms are a type of psychedelic drug that affects how you think, feel, and perceive the world around you.
Adolescents and teenagers might be influenced to use drugs because they want to fit in with their peers, feel accepted, or be part of a group. Sometimes, they might be curious about how drugs make them feel or they might think it’s a way to cope with stress or problems. Also, influences from the media, friends, and family members can play a role in their decision to try drugs. It’s important for them to understand the risks and consequences associated with drug use and to seek help if they are struggling with these issues.

Positives and negatives of Magic mushrooms

Positives: (i) Short-term effects of magic mushrooms (P): Some people experience feelings of euphoria, introspection, and altered perceptions, leading to creative thinking and spiritual insights. (I): These effects can enhance mood temporarily and provide a sense of well-being. Long-term effects (S): Positive long-term effects may include increased empathy and openness, potentially leading to improved social interactions.
Negatives: (i) Short-term effects of magic mushrooms (P): Hallucinations, confusion, and anxiety can occur, causing discomfort and fear. (I): These effects may lead to a negative emotional state and impaired decision-making. Long-term effects (S): Persistent hallucinations, flashbacks, or mental health issues could affect well-being in the long run.(ii) Interrelation (E): If someone experiences negative short-term effects, like anxiety, it can lead to physical symptoms like increased heart rate and sweating, impacting mental and emotional well-being negatively. Persistent hallucinations may cause fear, leading to stress and emotional distress, affecting overall mental health. Therefore, short-term negative effects can have a lasting impact on a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

What are the laws or restrictions and what are the penalties?

There is a wide range of controlled and illegal drugs, which the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 classifies according to the level of risk of harm they pose to people misusing them. Class A ( very high risk ) involves Magic mushrooms, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Heroin, Lsd (acid). Class B ( high risk ) Involves Cannabis oil, Hashish, Morphine, Opium, Ecstasy. Class C ( Moderate risk ) Involves Cannabis seeds, Cannabis plant, Codeine.

It is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 to use, possess, cultivate or traffic (deal) in illegal drugs. Youth offenders under the age of 17 are not subject to the same penalties as adults (people 17 and over).

If police arrest you, have a search warrant or suspect you of using or having drugs on you they have the right to search you, your bag or your vehicle. The police are only allowed to search your mouth if you allow them to. you can be searched internally ( only by a medical practitioner ) if you have been arrested or police have reasonable grounds to believe that you have drugs inside your body somewhere.

If caught with Magic mushrooms you can face 6 months imprisonment and a $1000 fine. if you supply or manufacture you can face life imprisonment. Letting your premises or motor vehicle be used by someone to make, use or carry drugs can make you face 10 years imprisonment. Possession of instruments for the purpose of taking drugs (eg, a pipe, bong, needles, syringes, spotting knife) while be one year imprisonment and/or $500 fine.

To stay safe around magic mushrooms or any substance:

  1. Don’t Use: The safest option is not to use substances, especially illegal ones.
  2. Educate Yourself: Understand the risks and potential consequences of using magic mushrooms.
  3. Talk to Trusted Adults: If you have concerns or questions, talk to parents, teachers, or other adults you trust.
  4. Know the Laws: Be aware of the legal implications of using magic mushrooms in your area.
  5. Positive Choices: Engage in positive activities and maintain healthy relationships.
  6. Seek Help: If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, seek professional help or contact a helpline.

Decision Making 

Scenario: It is the start of interval; you receive a text. The text is from your friend. Your friend tells you to meet them at the back of the field to use Magic mushrooms with them. 

Options

  1. Meet your friend and use the drug.
  2. Politely decline and suggest doing something else.
  3. Seek guidance from a trusted adult or counselor.
  4. Consequences:

Meet and use:

Positive: Immediate gratification.

Negative: Legal trouble, health risks, damage to relationships.

Politely decline:

Positive: Integrity, avoiding risks, preserving relationships.

Negative: Potential disappointment.

Seek guidance:

Positive: Experienced advice, avoiding potential harm.

Negative: Initial discomfort.

 

Meet and use:

Positive: Immediate pleasure.

Negative: Guilt, anxiety, fear of consequences.

Politely decline:

Positive: Self-respect, potential for alternative joy.

Negative: Initial discomfort.

Seek guidance:

Positive: Relief, support.

Negative: Initial discomfort.

Best Option: Politely declined. This aligns with personal values, avoids potential harm, and contributes to physical, mental, social, and academic well-being.

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