Although shroom addiction is uncommon in the U.S., the percentage of individuals taking shrooms has increased over the years, particularly for young adults. Shrooms are not, by themselves, physically addictive, but they have the potential to become psychologically addictive. As a result, withdrawal symptoms manifest, making it difficult to quit.
Shrooms is the street name for the psilocybin mushrooms. Psychedelic mushrooms contain psilocybin and psilocin, two psychoactive substances. Psychoactive substances can lead to changes in mood, ways of thinking, and perception.
Active components in the mushrooms engage with receptors that influence reality perception. Depending on the dosage, shrooms can promote sensory distortions. Now that you’re aware of the potency of these drugs, here are five facts you should also know about shrooms, including the answer to “how long do shrooms stay in your system?”
1. When you search “how long do shrooms stay in your system?” you’ll learn that the effects can last a long time.
Shrooms are eaten or taken by brewing them into tea. The strength and dosages will determine how long the effects last. On average, they last about 4-6 hours. Answering the question, “how long do shrooms stay in your system?” requires understanding individual factors, including hydration levels and consistency of physical activity.
2. Physical risks are associated with shrooms.
There is no concrete answer to “how long do shrooms stay in your system?” However, there are clear risks associated with shrooms, including:
- nausea
- vomiting
- anxiety
- paranoia
- dangerous behaviors
3. Shrooms are a controlled substance in the U.S.
Shrooms are a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning that they are not recognized as having medical value and are highly likely to be abused. Most countries consider using, selling, and distributing shrooms as illegal, and these drugs are therefore prohibited. If you want to know the answer to “how long do shrooms stay in your system?” you need to consider the half-life of the drug (which is one hour). Most of one dose takes about three hours to leave the body, but individual factors can alter this average.
4. The effects on the brain may be beneficial for treating mental illness.
Since psilocybin can increase connectivity across brain regions, mushrooms may hold the potential for improving mental illness. Doctors are still learning how mushrooms may function as medicinal tools.
5. Shrooms can be detected in the body over time.
The answer to “how long do shrooms stay in your system?” depends on individual factors like age, body weight, and metabolism. Urine tests can reveal the presence of psilocin for 24 hours after ingestion and up to 72 hours for heavy users in urine samples. In blood tests, it can be detected for up to six hours; in hair tests, for several months.
Recover with professional help.
While shrooms have been taken medicinally and spiritually for centuries, today, they are also used recreationally and, often, excessively. If you or someone you know is struggling with shroom addiction, reach out to a drug detox facility near you to get help.