Sometimes it’s easy to spot, sometimes it’s not, but yes, there are signs that someone might be on shrooms, also known as magic mushrooms. These mushrooms contain a chemical called psilocybin, which changes how a person sees, feels, and thinks.
Most of the time, the signs show up in their eyes, behavior, and the way they talk. Let’s go through what to look for, according to experts!
The Eyes Usually Give It Away
One of the biggest giveaways is the eyes. When someone takes shrooms, their pupils (the black parts in the middle of the eyes) often get very large, much bigger than normal.
This happens because psilocybin affects the nervous system, which controls eye movement and light response. Their eyes might also look glassy or unfocused, almost like they’re staring into space.
“Dilated pupils are one of the clearest signs of hallucinogen use,” says DrugAbuse.com
Their Mood Might Change Fast
People on shrooms often go through quick mood changes. They might:
- Laugh for no clear reason
- Seem amazed by small things
- Act quiet or spaced out
- Suddenly feel emotional or tearful
These shifts come from how psilocybin affects serotonin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical. It can make normal feelings feel a lot stronger.
Verywell Mind notes that users often describe a mix of joy, fear, confusion, and wonder, all within a few hours.
They See or Hear Things Differently
Psilocybin changes how the brain processes information. People might see colors move, walls breathe, or patterns appear on surfaces. Music might sound deeper or more emotional.
They can also lose track of time, minutes can feel like hours.
If you ask them what time it is, they might smile and say something like, “Time doesn’t exist right now.” That’s a common thing people say during a trip.
“Shrooms can make a person experience things that aren’t real or are distorted,” explains Wolf Creek Recovery
Their Body Language Can Look Odd
During a trip, people often move or talk differently. Some common signs include:
- Slow or wobbly movements
- Smiling or laughing to themselves
- Talking about strange or “deep” ideas
- Sitting still and staring at nothing
Some people close their eyes and focus on what they see in their minds. Others might look restless or uneasy, especially if the trip starts turning intense.
They Might Struggle to Speak Clearly
Someone on shrooms might pause a lot or use odd words to describe how they feel. They could say things like “Everything is connected,” or “The trees are talking.”
That’s because psilocybin temporarily changes how the brain links thoughts together. Their words might make perfect sense to them, but not to anyone else.
Physical Signs to Watch For
Besides the big pupils, a few other body signs might show up:
- Fast heartbeat
- Warm, flushed skin
- Yawning or light sweating
- Slight shaking or muscle tension
None of these are dangerous by themselves, but if someone mixes mushrooms with alcohol or other drugs, the effects can become unpredictable.
How Long It Lasts
A typical shroom trip lasts 4 to 6 hours, depending on the dose. The person might seem strange, emotional, or quiet during that time. Afterward, they may be tired or want to rest.
If someone has taken too much, the trip can get scary, this is called a bad trip. They might panic, cry, or say things that don’t make sense. The best way to help is to stay calm, make sure they’re safe, and remind them it will pass.
“A calm, familiar space can help ground someone during a difficult experience,” says Verywell Mind.
What Not to Do
If you think someone is on shrooms:
- Don’t argue with them or make fun of them.
- Don’t leave them alone, especially outside.
- Don’t give them alcohol or other drugs to “calm them down.”
If they seem really scared or confused for hours, or if they’ve eaten unknown wild mushrooms, it’s safest to get medical help.
Final Thoughts
You can often tell if someone is on shrooms by how their eyes look, how they act, and what they say. They might seem dreamy, emotional, or fascinated by small things. While the experience usually passes safely, staying calm and kind helps a lot, especially if the person starts to feel overwhelmed.
“The key is to offer reassurance, not judgment,” says Wolf Creek Recovery.
Summary
Signs someone is on shrooms include big pupils, strange or slow movements, emotional swings, and unusual speech or behavior. The trip usually lasts 4–6 hours and fades naturally. Staying calm and supportive is the best way to help.
Sources
DrugAbuse.com – Signs of Psilocybin Mushroom Use
Wolf Creek Recovery – Signs of Psilocybin Addiction
Verywell Mind – What Are Magic Mushrooms?
Read Our Other Articles