Laura Smith
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic fungi that can induce a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. While some people take magic mushrooms for their psychoactive effects, researchers have also explored their therapeutic benefits. The short-term effects of magic mushrooms typically wear off in 6 to 12 hours, but the length and intensity of each trip vary depending on individual factors such as mood, personality, and expectations. In this article, we will discuss the recovery process from a mushroom trip, including strategies to sober up and the potential for longer-term withdrawal symptoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Duration of effects | 3-6 hours |
| After-effects | Sleepy, comfortable feeling |
| Recovery | Drink water, avoid caffeine, eat something sugary |
| Addiction | Not considered addictive, but psychological dependence may occur |
| Withdrawal symptoms | Headaches, mood changes, flashbacks, cravings |
| Detox | Professional detox facilities are ideal, especially with other substances |
| Treatment | Psychotherapy, CBT, MET, support groups, lifestyle changes |
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What You'll Learn
Stay calm and be patient
Staying calm and being patient are crucial when recovering from a mushroom trip, especially if you are having a bad experience. It is important to remember that the intense effects of mushrooms will abate by themselves, and stress and panic will only amplify the worst of the effects, making them seem much worse than they are.
If you are experiencing a bad trip on mushrooms, it is important to try to stay calm and focus on your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system, slow down your heart rate, and relax your mind and body. Recognise that the trip is temporary and will soon subside. If you are with someone who is having a bad trip, calmly remind them that they took a drug, and they are in a safe place while they go through its effects. Reassure them that you are their friend and that the experience will pass.
Find a quiet, comfortable, and safe space where you can relax and feel secure. If you are with someone who is having a bad trip, take them to a calm, safe environment. Try to meditate or relax. Surrender to the experience rather than trying to control it. If you are experiencing a bad trip, it may be helpful to use physical comforts, such as a warm blanket, a pillow, or a soothing essential oil like lavender. Drink plenty of water, as dehydration can exacerbate trip anxiety, and stay away from caffeine, as it will increase feelings of racing thoughts, panic, and anxiety.
Engage in activities that can distract you from the trip, such as drawing, listening to soothing music, or talking to a trusted friend. If you are with someone who is having a bad trip, provide guidance and reassurance, and stay with them through their experience to help keep them physically and mentally safe.
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Drink water and avoid caffeine
While the effects of magic mushrooms typically wear off in 6 to 12 hours, there are some steps you can take to recover from a mushroom trip. One of the most important things to do is to stay hydrated by drinking water. Drinking water can be a good distraction from the trip and can help you calm down. You can also try to focus on the sensation of the water in your mouth and as you swallow it. This can help ground you and bring you back into your body.
It is also recommended to avoid caffeine. Caffeine can increase feelings of anxiety and panic, which may already be heightened during a mushroom trip. If you have consumed caffeine, eating a banana can help to counteract its effects.
Drinking something sugary can also help speed up the rate at which your body metabolizes psilocin, helping you to sober up faster. It is important to remember that you cannot immediately go from tripping to being sober, but you can bring yourself to a more comfortable and manageable level.
If you are experiencing a bad trip, it is important to stay calm and patient. The most intense effects will often abate by themselves. Distracting yourself can also be helpful. Listening to music or having a conversation with a friend can be good distractions, while browsing the internet or messaging on your phone can be destabilizing and should be avoided.
If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms or psychological dependence on magic mushrooms, it is recommended to seek professional help. Detox facilities and therapy can help you safely withdraw from mushroom use and address any underlying mental health issues. Support groups and lifestyle changes are also important components of long-term recovery.
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Distract yourself with music
Listening to music can be a great way to take your mind off the intense feelings and sensations you may be experiencing during a mushroom trip. Here are some tips to help you use music as a distraction and a tool for comfort:
Create a Calm Environment: Set yourself up in a comfortable and familiar space. Make sure you have easy access to your music player and create a playlist in advance if possible. Dim the lights if that feels soothing, or light some candles to create a calming atmosphere. Get cozy under a blanket, surround yourself with soft pillows, and ensure the temperature is comfortable.
Choose the Right Music: Opt for music that you know and love, especially something that holds positive memories or evokes a sense of comfort and peace. Go for songs with a steady rhythm and a familiar melody. Music that is overly complex or unpredictable might overstimulate you, so stick to simple and soothing tunes. If you don't have a particular preference, consider nature-inspired music, soft instrumental pieces, or calming classical music.
Use Music as a Focus Point: Try to immerse yourself in the music. Focus on the different instruments, the lyrics (if any), and the overall structure of the song. Try to predict the next melody or drumbeat, or softly sing along if you know the words. This can help take your mind off any unpleasant thoughts or sensations and ground you in the present moment.
Create a Personal Concert: If you feel up to it, try closing your eyes and envisioning a personal concert just for you. Imagine your favorite artist performing the song you're listening to. Picture the stage, the lighting, and the atmosphere. You can even pretend to be the performer and feel the emotions you'd experience if you were actually on that stage. This can help shift your focus and provide a sense of control.
Keep in mind that everyone's experience with mushrooms is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. If you're ever concerned about your physical or mental state during a trip, don't hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend or seek professional medical advice.
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Seek professional detox treatment
Psilocybin mushroom detox can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings to use again. While psilocybin mushrooms are not typically considered addictive, psychological dependence can occur. If you are taking psilocybin mushrooms to feel normal or maintain happiness, it may be time to seek professional help.
Professional detox facilities offer a wide range of programs, ensuring an individualized approach. Treatment facilities can help you build a drug-free future, focusing on your unique goals. This may include ongoing treatment and therapy, such as psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and motivational enhancement therapy (MET). CBT can help change thought and behaviour patterns that contribute to substance use, while MET can improve motivation to change.
Support groups and lifestyle changes are also essential in long-term recovery. If you are struggling with psilocybin mushroom use, contact a helpline for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. Calls are confidential and help is available 24/7.
Withdrawal symptoms from psilocybin mushrooms can vary from person to person and may include headaches, mood changes, "trip" flashbacks, and cravings. While physical symptoms are rare, psychological effects may occur, such as depression. Extended periods of psilocybin mushroom abuse may lead to longer-term psychological symptoms, including hallucinatory flashbacks and hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD).
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Take 5-HTP supplements
While there is no immediate way to stop the effects of a mushroom trip, there are ways to reduce the high to a more manageable and comfortable level. One method is to take 5-HTP supplements, which can be purchased at most grocery stores.
5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, is a chemical byproduct of the protein building block L-tryptophan. It is commercially produced from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP is converted into serotonin in the body and is often used to treat depression. Serotonin affects sleep, appetite, temperature, sexual behaviour, and pain sensation. Since shrooms are an SSRI, taking 5-HTP supplements can help improve your general mood in the couple of days following a trip, as it increases serotonin levels.
It is important to note that 5-HTP has not been reported to induce psychedelic effects in humans, although it does induce HTR in rodents. Studies have shown that 5-HTP does not significantly alter IEG expression, which is associated with the psychedelic effects of psilocybin.
While 5-HTP can be beneficial for improving mood after a mushroom trip, it is always important to exercise caution when consuming any substance, including supplements. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements to ensure they are safe for your individual needs.
In addition to 5-HTP supplements, staying calm, patient, and hydrated can also help reduce the intensity of a mushroom trip. Drinking water can be a helpful distraction, and drinking something sugary can help speed up the rate at which your body metabolises psilocin.
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Frequently asked questions
The effects of magic mushrooms typically wear off in 6 to 12 hours. The bulk of a mushroom trip lasts between 3 and 4 hours, with the effects dwindling in the two hours or so following this period.
While there is no way to end a bad trip until it has run its course, there are steps you can take to bring yourself down and reduce the high to a manageable level. Drinking water can help to calm you down, as can drinking something sugary, which may help you sober up faster. Getting lost in music or a film can also help to distract you.
While psilocybin mushrooms are not considered addictive, some people experience psychological withdrawal effects, including depression, headaches, mood changes, flashbacks, and cravings to use again. Detox can help to alleviate these symptoms.
