Have you ever gotten curious about finding out the answer to "How long do shrooms stay in your system?" If you answered yes, you've come to the right place as we survey the various drug test methods to identify psilocybin presence, as well as the programs needed to achieve long-term recovery.
We'll also look into shrooms' effects and understand what their withdrawal symptoms are while considering the various factors in one's addiction. Continue reading below.
How Long Does Magic Mushrooms Last in the Body and by Type of Drug Tests?
Magic mushrooms aren't usually part of the common lab tests or routine drug tests, such as workplace drug testing. However, authorities may still conduct specialized drug tests to detect shrooms or identify how long do shrooms stay in your system.
These specialized tests may last for a few hours depending on the need of the governing authority and may include blood or saliva tests.
Psilocybin in Urine Tests
Shrooms stay at least 15 hours post-use in your urine and are not included in the routine drug tests available on the market.
Psilocybin in Hair Follicle Tests
Just like other substances traced via specific tests or drug testing, hair follicles detect drug presence for up to 90 days. Unfortunately, that's not the case for psilocybin.
Psilocybin in Saliva Tests
As of today, there are no reliable saliva testing methods for psilocybin as the drug is not detectable in the saliva serum.
Psilocybin Detection in Blood Tests
A blood test is uncommonly used in a mushroom drug test as the chemical may only stay for about 15 hours before it leaves the bloodstream.
What are Psilocybin and Magic Mushrooms (Shrooms)?
Similar to methamphetamine, Psilocybin mushrooms are a form of psychedelic drug that may alter one's perception of reality. For years, experts have explored the clinical potential of psilocybin.
Its common street names include magic mushrooms or shrooms, sacred mushrooms, Little Smoke, and Purple Passion. At present, there are about 180 mushroom species that contain psilocybin or psilocin.
The mode of consumption includes steeping dried mushrooms into tea or mixing them with other foods. They can also be eaten fresh or preserved. Its effects may peak within 1 to 2 hours and may also extend for up to six hours. Sometimes, a user may encounter a bad trip similar to people using LSD.
Its effects on the body include:
- hunger pangs
- increase in body temperature
- lack or difficulty sleeping
- poor muscle control
- mood changes
- dry mouth
- paranoia
- panic or anxiety attacks
- excessive sweating
- bad trips
The drug's half-life is at an estimated 50 minutes in which half of the substance will be expelled by the body during that time. In the 2018 SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 5.6 million people have used hallucinogens (including psilocybin mushrooms).
Determining Factors on How Long Psilocybin Stays in Your System
Psilocybin or magic mushrooms have been in circulation for decades, especially for people who engage in a shroom trip for recreational purposes. For people who have fallen prey to long-term substance abuse to magic mushrooms or shrooms, however, lingering effects may be present. Whether or not they decide to stop taking psilocybin-containing mushrooms, the shrooms stay in their system longer than for an average person.
Many factors are present in answering the question, "how long do shrooms stay in your system?" These factors are often common to most people. But, some of them may vary as we are all created uniquely.
Here are some of the common factors determining how long shrooms stay in your system:
- Age - Older people understandably have ways to process psilocybin mushrooms and other substances in their system—particularly senior citizens. Young adults, meanwhile, have a shorter time processing the components when ingesting shrooms.
- Psilocybin's half-life - The average half-life for Psilocybin lasts for about 50 minutes. It simply refers to the estimated time our body dumps half of the chemical components away from our system.
- Metabolic rate - People with faster metabolism can process drugs better than people with slower metabolisms. Individuals with slower metabolism tend to be older people, overweight patients, and people with digestive system issues.
- Co-existing mental health conditions - Individuals who have existing mental health issues, such as high-functioning anxiety, may find that ingesting mushrooms or having a physical dependence on drugs helps them cope better with their condition, hence the development of addiction.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Magic Mushrooms?
The psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms makes one experience hallucinatory effects that may either alter their perception of reality long-term. Therefore, people in long-term recovery may find it hard to quit substance use as withdrawal may bring forth uncomfortable and unwanted side effects forcing them to continue ingesting fresh shrooms.
Here are some of the commonly-perceived withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting mushroom use.
- extreme mood swings
- panic episodes
- low impulse control
- mushroom cravings
- rage
- difficulties with speech
Note that while some of these may seem manageable, people suffering from severe side effects of magic mushroom use should consult the advice of mental health professionals to ensure the proper approach to withdrawal from these drugs.
Also, remember that the longer shrooms stay in your system, the harder it would be for you to detoxify yourself from the chemicals and toxins, and the harder it would be for your body to cease dependence on the drug.
About Psilocybin Misuse and Addiction Treatment
Psilocybin misuse and addiction are sometimes hard to process, especially if it affects you deeply on a personal level—such as when a friend or a family member is closely experiencing these problems.
While it is difficult to notice the telling signs of one's drug addiction, there are some possible indications that you should look for. Through close observation, you can distinguish these signs from people suspected of drug abuse. Some of them include:
- Neglected appearance - people engaging in abuse of other drugs, may appear disheveled and don't show any interest in clothing, looks, or grooming.
- Behavioral changes - Once someone appears to be more secretive than usual and exhibits drastic changes in behavior, especially with the dynamic of their relationships with friends, family members, or romantic partners/spouses.
- Isolation - A common behavior of an addict is isolating themselves from their peers, showing a lack of interest in things or activities that usually bring them joy.
- Issues at work or school - A noticeable slump in terms of work performance or grades in school indicate a telling problem that loved ones and family members of an addict must look into.
- Financial issues - Making unnecessary requests for money, unexplained missing money, stolen items at home, and unexplained incurring debt also signify a worrying problem.
Three common factors influence a person's drug addiction. They may include, emotional, physical, and psychological addiction factors. Wellness professionals and recovery specialists look at these three most often to ascertain the proper recovery or treatment placement tailored to their particular needs.
Some of the common addiction recovery treatment methods that treatment centers and rehab specialists use include:
inpatient therapy/outpatient drug rehab - Depending on their need, people may need to stay at a facility for some time until they become better from their addiction. Sometimes, outpatient therapy also is helpful to most people as they recover better in the comfort of their own homes.
behavioral therapy - dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavior therapy help in changing people's thoughts and behaviors regarding their relationship with addiction.
Sober homes - living in trusted homes post-rehabilitation helps individuals and patients better transition to the outside world in these transitional housing arrangements.
How To Get Help from Magic Mushrooms Addiction?
If you're seeking advice or help from magic mushroom addiction, Transcend Recovery Community is here every step of the way to keep you committed and consistent with your rehabilitation goals.
You may start by simply reaching out to us. Our affiliate partners and programs are ready to take on the challenge of helping you or your loved one become better with small or big steps.
With each waking day, you'll find noticeable progress as you'll not only work with licensed and qualified medical professionals but also with people in your community who may share wisdom through their experiences. Contact us now to find out more.