Psychological and Physical Aftereffects of Psilocybin: What to Expect and How to Cope
Magic mushrooms contain a chemical known as psilocybin that can cause psychological and physiological effects. However, the impact of the substance is much longer than the psychedelic journey. Most patients experience psychological and physical aftereffects. These aftereffects include forgetfulness, confusion, paranoia, loss of appetite, high blood pressure, dizziness, and migraines.
This article will help you understand what to anticipate after the psilocybin experience. If you are questioning how long do mushrooms stay in your system, it also provides methods of handling the possible difficulties as one transitions to recovery to make the process safer and more effective.
Psychological Aftereffects
Mood Swings and Emotional Instability
Psilocybin makes users feel happy when the drug is still in the body; however, this may change to the extreme opposite when the drug leaves the body. These fluctuations can lead to a feeling of unhappiness, increased crankiness, anxiety, or even signs of clinical depression. The emotional chaos is disturbing depending on the degree of the reaction during the psychedelic journey.
Flashbacks and Changes in Thought Patterns
The majority of the users report spending brief periods reliving, a phenomenon known as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). These symptoms will likely manifest within days, weeks, or even months after consumption and can be characterized by hallucinations, fluctuating moods, or a sense of understanding.
If you are seeking to understand how long do mushrooms stay in your system, remember that psilocybin also causes lasting changes in how people discuss themselves and the environment. Some patients start to think more about themselves, feel a certain freedom, or experience changes in their vision of life and reality. However, some of these changes may be related to confusion, inability to concentrate, or feeling disconnected from reality.
Increased Anxiety or Paranoia
Therapeutically, psilocybin can help with anxiety disorders if administered clinically, while reckless use often results in increased anxiety or paranoid psychosis. This may result from emotions or thoughts triggered due to the altered state of mind.
Physical Aftereffects
Most patients are relatively lethargic after a psilocybin experience. They feel exhausted, drained, or physically weary after so many hours of mental and emotional draining processes. Fatigue may persist for several days, depending on the severity of the experience and the patient’s general health condition.
The adverse effects of psilocybin use include headaches and muscle aches. Some of these physical signs may be attributed to dehydration, stress, or how the body processes information when going through mental and emotional processes during the experience. Psilocybin can also lead to nausea or similar digestive discomfort. In more extreme cases, patients might suffer from stomach cramps or a change in appetite.
How to Cope with Aftereffects
After taking psilocybin, both the mind and the body require time to rest. Proper rest, adequate water intake, and the consumption of healthy foods can help reduce the physical effects. Lengthy and gentle exercises such as walking or yoga can also help in healing.
If you had a profound or challenging moment after the psilocybin experience, it is also essential to have someone to talk to soon after. Talking to a close friend or even a therapist or joining a support group can assist in managing the thought patterns and feelings elicited by the substance, and meditation can help patients reorient themselves.
Summary
If you are asking how long do mushrooms stay in your system, the effects of psilocybin depend on the dosage, environment, and condition, whether you are a novice or an experienced user. The aftereffects are considered tolerable, although some may experience persistent psychological or physical distress.