Psilocybin: Is There Withdrawal?
Compiled from cited sources · not yet medically reviewedUpdated 1 source
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For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before stopping or changing any medication. Medical disclaimer
Quick answer
NIDA says limited research suggests psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin and LSD don’t typically lead to addiction, and that a small lab study found psilocybin to be ‘weakly reinforcing’. The DSM-5 doesn’t include a psilocybin-specific use disorder. We found no recognized withdrawal syndrome. NIDA notes people may quickly develop tolerance. Low mood or anxiety after stopping isn’t well studied and may relate to other factors.
Psilocybin withdrawal timeline at a glance
| Phase | When | What you may feel | Severity | Red flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| After stopping | No defined timeline | No recognized withdrawal syndrome; Some people report changes in mood or sleep (not well studied) | Mild | Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call or text 988 now |
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Symptoms, phase by phase
NIDA notes that researchers think one reason psychedelics rarely lead to addiction is that people commonly have unpleasant side effects such as headaches and nausea. It also says more research is needed on tolerance, withdrawal and other substance use disorder symptoms for these drugs. Evidence note: absence of evidence isn’t proof; if you used heavily along with other drugs, those may cause their own withdrawal.
After stopping: No defined timeline
- No recognized withdrawal syndrome
- Some people report changes in mood or sleep (not well studied)
What makes withdrawal longer or shorter
- Other substances. Cannabis, alcohol or stimulants used alongside have their own withdrawal.
- Mental health. Lingering anxiety, low mood or visual disturbances should be checked by a doctor. NIDA says some psychedelics rarely cause hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), in which visual “flashbacks” last longer or recur.
When to see a doctor or get help now
- For lasting anxiety, depression, or visual disturbances after use.
- Call or text 988 for thoughts of suicide.
- Call 911 for chest pain, seizures, or someone who’s very confused or a danger to themselves.
Not sure where to start? Call SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357, 24/7. See Get Help.
Tapering
No taper is needed for psilocybin itself.
Tips for getting through it
- Talk to a counselor if you’re struggling with mood
- Avoid mixing substances. NIDA says fatal overdoses involving these drugs are typically linked to very high doses or combinations, particularly with alcohol
Frequently asked questions
Is psilocybin addictive?
NIDA says limited research suggests it doesn’t typically lead to addiction.
Can you build a tolerance to mushrooms?
NIDA says some evidence suggests tolerance can develop quickly.
Is there a mushroom ‘comedown’?
There’s no recognized withdrawal syndrome. NIDA says short-term positive and negative mood changes are common with psychedelics.
Next steps
Talk to others going through it. Share your experience or ask questions on the Day-by-Day Check-ins board in our community forum. Forum posts are personal experiences, not medical advice. Please read the community guidelines.
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Sources
Last reviewed: October 25, 2026. Researched and written by Withdrawal Timelines from the cited sources. This article has not yet been reviewed by a medical professional. See How We Review and our Medical Disclaimer. This is general information, not medical advice.
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