Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms or psilocybin mushrooms, have gained popularity for their hallucinogenic effects. However, if you are a breastfeeding mother, you may be curious about how long these substances can stay in your system. While magic mushrooms are not typically tested for in routine drug screenings, specialized tests can detect their presence and determine the duration they remain in your body.
Table of Contents
How Long Do Magic Mushrooms Last in the Body and by Type of Drug Tests?
Common drug tests, such as those conducted in workplaces, do not include magic mushrooms. However, certain authorities may perform specialized tests to identify the presence of these substances and determine their duration in your system. These tests, which may involve blood or saliva samples, typically last a few hours.
Psilocybin in Urine Tests
In urine tests, magic mushrooms can be detected for at least 15 hours after use. However, they are not usually part of routine drug tests available on the market.
Psilocybin in Hair Follicle Tests
Unlike other substances that can be detected in hair follicle tests for up to 90 days, psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, is not detectable through this method.
Psilocybin in Saliva Tests
Currently, there are no reliable saliva testing methods for detecting psilocybin. This means that the drug cannot be identified in saliva samples.
Psilocybin Detection in Blood Tests
Blood tests are uncommonly used for detecting magic mushrooms, as psilocybin typically leaves the bloodstream within 15 hours after use.
What are Psilocybin and Magic Mushrooms (Shrooms)?
Psilocybin mushrooms, similar to methamphetamine, are a type of psychedelic drug that can alter one’s perception of reality. Experts have been exploring the clinical potential of psilocybin for years. Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are the common street names for these mushrooms.
There are approximately 180 mushroom species that contain psilocybin or psilocin, the two primary psychoactive components of magic mushrooms. They can be consumed by steeping dried mushrooms in tea, mixing them with food, or eating them fresh or preserved. The effects of magic mushrooms typically peak within 1 to 2 hours and can last up to six hours. Some users may experience a bad trip, similar to those caused by LSD.
The physical effects of magic mushrooms can include hunger pangs, increased body temperature, difficulty sleeping, poor muscle control, mood changes, dry mouth, paranoia, panic or anxiety attacks, excessive sweating, and bad trips. The drug’s half-life is estimated to be around 50 minutes, meaning that half of the substance is expelled from the body during that time. According to the 2018 SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 5.6 million people in the United States have used hallucinogens, including psilocybin mushrooms.
Determining Factors on How Long Psilocybin Stays in Your System
The duration that psilocybin, or magic mushrooms, stay in your system can be influenced by several factors. While these factors are common among most individuals, they may vary due to our unique characteristics.
Here are some common factors that determine how long magic mushrooms stay in your system:
-
Age: Older individuals, especially senior citizens, may have a longer processing time for psilocybin mushrooms and other substances. Young adults typically metabolize the components of shrooms more quickly.
-
Psilocybin’s half-life: The average half-life of psilocybin is approximately 50 minutes. This refers to the estimated time it takes for our body to eliminate half of the chemical components.
-
Metabolic rate: People with a faster metabolism tend to process drugs more efficiently. Conversely, individuals with slower metabolisms, such as older adults, overweight individuals, or those with digestive system issues, may take longer to eliminate substances from their system.
-
Co-existing mental health conditions: People with existing mental health issues, such as high-functioning anxiety, may find that consuming magic mushrooms or developing a physical dependence on them helps them cope with their condition. This can lead to prolonged drug use and dependence.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Magic Mushrooms?
The psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms can have long-term effects on one’s perception of reality. Therefore, individuals in long-term recovery may find it challenging to quit using the substance due to withdrawal symptoms and unwanted side effects. Quitting magic mushrooms can result in symptoms such as extreme mood swings, panic episodes, low impulse control, cravings, rage, and difficulties with speech.
It is essential to consult mental health professionals for advice and support, especially if severe side effects occur. Detoxification from magic mushrooms can become more difficult the longer the substance remains in your system, making it harder for your body to break free from dependence.
About Psilocybin Misuse and Addiction Treatment
Psilocybin misuse and addiction can be challenging issues to address, particularly when they affect someone close to you. Recognizing the signs of drug addiction and abuse is crucial in identifying if someone is struggling with magic mushroom addiction. Some indicators may include neglecting their appearance, drastic changes in behavior, isolation, issues at work or school, and financial difficulties.
Emotional, physical, and psychological factors contribute to a person’s addiction. Recovery specialists and wellness professionals consider these factors to develop tailored treatment plans. Common methods used in addiction recovery include inpatient or outpatient therapy, behavioral therapy, and sober homes.
How to Get Help for Magic Mushroom Addiction?
If you or someone you know is seeking help for magic mushroom addiction, Transcend Recovery Community is here to support you throughout your recovery journey. By reaching out to us, you can access affiliate partners and programs dedicated to helping you or your loved one take small or significant steps towards rehabilitation.
Each day, you will notice progress as you work with licensed medical professionals and community members who share their wisdom through their own experiences. For more information, contact us now.
