Magic mushrooms are a type of fungus that contains psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound that can change people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
People have been using psilocybin mushrooms for centuries as part of religious ceremonies and for medicinal use. However, abusing mushrooms can be hazardous. People may experience unwanted, dangerous, or long-lasting effects from using magic mushrooms.
This article will explore how long a mushroom trip lasts. You will learn:
- The effects and risks of magic mushroom abuse
- How long the effects of mushrooms can last
- What factors impact how long a mushroom trip lasts
- What to expect in treatment for mushroom abuse
- Where to find treatment
If you or someone you love needs help to stop using magic mushrooms, you are not alone. Find effective, compassionate treatment at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What are Mushrooms?
Some types of mushrooms contain a compound called psilocybin. When a person eats these mushrooms, their body converts psilocybin into psilocin, a compound that can have psychoactive effects. People may experience a range of side effects, including sensory changes and hallucinations, after consuming these mushrooms.
People may consume “magic mushrooms” in several ways. People can eat them alone or with food. Others brew the mushrooms to make tea, which they then drink.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies magic mushrooms as a Schedule I drug, meaning they have no medical use and have a significant risk of drug addiction. In recent years, some states have passed legislation allowing people to use magic mushrooms for medicinal or recreational use.
Wider access to mushrooms can put more people at risk of unwanted side effects and “bad trips.” Understanding the risks associated with mushroom use is essential so that people can make the best decisions and seek treatment when necessary.
The Effects and Risks of Mushrooms
People who ingest mushroom species containing psilocybin may experience a range of side effects. Some common effects of magic mushrooms include:
- Drowsiness
- Dilated pupils
- Elevated body temperature
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
- Euphoria
- Distorted sense of time, space, or reality
- Loss of coordination
- Paranoia
- Spiritual experiences
- Nausea
In some cases, people experience dangerous symptoms while using mushrooms, including seizures. People who take higher doses are more likely to have adverse health risks or harmful side effects.
A “bad trip” is one of the most significant risks of using magic mushrooms. A “bad trip” may include:
- Upsetting psychedelic experiences
- Disturbing hallucinations
- Intense paranoia
- Psychosis
During a bad trip, people may do dangerous things, including hurting themselves or others. People may also have disturbing flashbacks to a bad trip for a long time afterward. There is also research that suggests magic mushroom abuse can lead to long-term personality changes and an increased risk of mental health conditions.
Consuming poisonous mushroom species is also a risk of using magic mushrooms. People may unintentionally consume a toxic mushroom, which can be lethal.
Some people struggle to stop using mushrooms, even after learning about the potential risks or having bad experiences. Many people require professional treatment and ongoing support to stop using magic mushrooms and avoid relapse.
How Long Does a Mushroom Trip Last?
The effects of magic mushrooms typically develop within about 30 minutes after someone ingests them. Several factors affect the severity of the effects and how long shrooms last. These include:
- If you had an empty stomach before consuming the mushrooms
- Your age
- The mushroom species you consumed
- Your weight and body composition
- The dose you consumed
- How you consumed the mushrooms
- Other substances you used at the same time
- Whether you consumed raw or dried mushrooms
Generally, a mushroom trip may last for three to six hours. However, the psychoactive compound of mushrooms may stay in your system longer than you can feel the effects.
Specialized tests may detect psilocybin in your system. The detection window for psilocybin varies depending on the type of drug testing.
Urine testing may detect psilocybin for up to 24 hours after ingestion. This is the most common form of drug testing. Blood testing has a similar detection window. Hair follicle testing may detect psilocybin for up to 90 days after ingesting mushrooms. However, hair follicle testing is uncommon.
Treating Mushroom Abuse
If you or a loved one abuse magic mushrooms, seek treatment right away. It can be challenging to stop using mushrooms. Holistic treatment and ongoing support can help you work toward long-term recovery.
A mushroom abuse treatment program may include:
- A medically-supported detox program, if needed
- Behavioral therapies
- Education about addiction and relapse prevention
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Coping skills
- Holistic therapies, including music and art, mindfulness, nutrition support, and more
- Aftercare planning and support programs
Mushroom abuse can cause unwanted or dangerous side effects. Get the support you need to stop using magic mushrooms and work toward a healthier future by seeking treatment as soon as possible.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with mushroom abuse, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our holistic addiction rehab and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms)
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Metabolism of psilocybin and psilocin: clinical and forensic toxicological relevance
- American Society for Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Oral Psilocybin Administration in Healthy Participants
