What Are the Long-Term Effects of Using Psychedelic Mushrooms?

Mushrooms with hallucinogenic properties have been used for religious rituals and recreation for thousands of years, but only in the last few decades have scientists started to understand the impact these substances can have on the human body. Read on to find out about psychedelic mushrooms, including the long-term effects of mushrooms, magic mushrooms effects on the brain, and more.

How Long Do Mushrooms Last?

Certain mushrooms found in tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States, contain a naturally occurring compound called psilocybin, which contributes to the hallucinogenic effects of the mushrooms. 

Mushrooms may be eaten alone or consumed with other food, or they may be brewed like tea and drank.¹

How long do mushrooms last? Psychedelic mushrooms take effect within 20 to 90 minutes after they’ve been ingested and yield hallucinogenic effects that last as long as 6 to 12 hours.¹

Short-Term Effects of Shrooms

Many of psilocybin’s physical effects are short-term, but can cause lasting damage due to risk of injury. Short-term effects include:^1,2

• Altered perception of time.
• Hallucinations.
• Problems separating reality from fantasy.
• Panic.
• Symptoms of psychosis.
• Nausea/vomiting.
• Muscle weakness.
• Impaired coordination.
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Changes to judgment, understanding of reality, muscle control, and physical coordination can all cause a person to suffer a harmful accident. Brain trauma, broken bones, or damage to other organs of the body can lead to permanent disability.

What do Shrooms do to the Brain?

The main effects of shrooms are psychological, often associated with literally expanding consciousness. However, the dramatic changes to brain state and neuron interactions can trigger long-lasting effects.

Mushrooms Psychosis

People who use mushrooms may experience a panic attack, feel like they are being watched, or have a break from reality that leads them to display psychotic symptoms. In extremely rare instances, this has led to serious physical injury and even attempted suicide.³

Psychosis induced by psilocybin is very similar to symptoms of schizophrenia. Usually these symptoms wear off when the effects of the hallucinogen run their course. However, in rare cases, the use of psychedelic drugs can cause persistent psychosis. Persistent psychosis is characterized by:¹

• Visual disturbances.
• Disorganized thinking.
• Mood changes.
• Paranoia.

Flashbacks

Like other hallucinogens, especially LSD, shrooms can cause “flashbacks,” a condition known clinically as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD).¹

Flashbacks may be mild experiences, including changing lights or colors, or they could involve intense panic, dissociation, and even hallucinations. While they last only a minute or two, they can be very disruptive.¹

Treatment for Addiction

It’s currently unknown whether psilocybin is addictive.² However, people who use illicit drugs often use other substances as well, some of which have devastating addiction potential.⁴

If you or someone you love needs addiction treatment, call us today at or check if your insurance will cover treatment with this quick, easy and secure .

Admissions navigators Desert Hope, American Addiction Centers’ rehab center near Las Vegas strip, are ready to help you or your loved one begin treatment today or answer any questions about how to pay for rehab or how to get admitted into our Nevada rehab. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re struggling. Recovery is possible; start your journey toward sobriety today.