How Long Do Shrooms Stay in Your System?

Because shrooms are natural substances that don’t contain any synthetic chemicals, some people believe that this makes them safe to use. But do you know the truth about shrooms? For example: What happens when you take them? How do they affect your body and mind? Are they dangerous? How long do shrooms remain in your system?

What Are Shrooms?

The terms shrooms and magic mushrooms can refer to a number of naturally occurring fungi that can induce hallucinogenic effects when ingested.

Archeological evidence suggests that people in some parts of the world were using shrooms thousands of years ago. In ancient times, shrooms were most likely ingested as part of religious ceremonies. Today, they are still used for religious purposes in some cultures, though their use has also spread to people who are seeking a recreational psychedelic experience.

Mushrooms that fall into the “magic” or shroom category contain a compound known as psilocybin. This substance can be found in more than 200 different types of mushrooms, though the amount of psilocybin (and thus the potency of the mushroom) can vary considerably. 

Albert Hofmann, who in the 1930s was the first person to synthesize lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) was later involved in the research that identified psilocybin in a species of mushroom that is native to Mexico. 

When a person uses shrooms, their body converts the psilocybin into a substance called psilocyn. Psilocyn interacts with serotonin receptors within the central nervous system. These interactions lead to the hallucinogenic or psychedelic effects that shrooms are known for.

What Happens When You Take Shrooms?

Shrooms can be ingested in a variety of ways. Some people eat them (either alone, mixed with other food, or infused into a gummy), while others brew them into a tea. They can also be ground into a powder and taken in capsule form. Research indicates that how long shrooms remain in your system can vary by means of ingestion.

Depending on several factors, including a person’s age, weight, and metabolism, as well as what type of shroom they have taken, potential effects include the following:

• Dilated pupils
• Nausea and vomiting
• Accelerated heart rate
• Elevated body temperature
• Headache and stomach ache
• Auditory and visual hallucinations
• Distorted perceptions of time and space
• Sense of being detached from one’s thoughts and surroundings
• Altered thinking patterns
• Sense of profound euphoria
• Dramatic mood swings
• Panic or paranoia
• Intense fear

The effects of shrooms typically begin to set in within 5-40 minutes, and they usually last for three to six hours.

How Long Do Shrooms Stay in Your System?

Determining the amount of time that any drug remains detectable in your system depends on which type of test is being used. Common drug screens typically involve one of the following: saliva, urine, blood, or hair. However, most standard drug screens are not set up to detect shrooms.

However, if you are taking a drug screen that is specifically testing for psilocybin, it can be valuable to know how long do shrooms remain in your system.

According to a May 2021 article, the elimination half-life of psilocybin is about three hours. Half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of a substance to be eliminated. Experts typically estimate that it takes four to five half-lives for a substance to fall below a detectable level.

Using that formula, the answer to the question how long do shrooms remain in your system is about 15 hours. Of course, this is just an estimate. The rate of a person’s metabolism and the amount and potency of the mushroom they have taken are among several factors that can influence how long shrooms remain in their system. 

Are Shrooms Dangerous?

There is no such thing as safe shroom use. When a person uses shrooms, they expose themselves to both immediate and long-term harm. The potential dangers of shrooms include:

• Panic attack
• Delusions
• Profound disorientation
• Delirium
• Psychosis
• Flashbacks
• Accidental poisoning

The poising risk can be life-threatening, because shrooms can look similar to certain toxic fungi. Depending on which type of poisonous mushroom a person ingests, the possible effects can include:

• Nausea and diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Disrupted heart rate and pulse
• Respiratory failure
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure
• Convulsions
• Coma
• Death

Also, people who are under the effects of shrooms may incur physical harm due to slips, falls, or other accidents that result from diminished coordination and impaired judgment.

Finally, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States. This means that, as defined by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), shrooms have no recognized medical value and a high risk of abuse. People who possess shrooms for illicit recreational purposes may be arrested, fined, and incarcerated. 

Find Treatment for Hallucinogen Abuse in Atlanta, GA

If you have been abusing shrooms, LSD, or other hallucinogenic drugs, you may benefit from professional help. Inner Voyage Recovery Center offers personalized outpatient treatment in a safe and welcoming environment. 

At our treatment center near Atlanta, Georgia, you can identify and address the issues that may have contributed to your substance abuse, with the goal of empowering you to develop healthier coping skills and resist future self-defeating urges. Every step of the way, you will be guided and supported by a team of highly skilled and deeply compassionate professionals.

When you’re ready to stop using hallucinogens and start living a healthier life, the Inner Voyage team is here for you. To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, visit our admissions page or call us today.