Taking shrooms on an empty stomach can increase the likelihood of side effects, such as nausea, anxiety, or overwhelming visuals. Whether you’ve intentionally taken shrooms without eating or have accidentally skipped a meal, there are steps you can take to manage your experience if you took shrooms on an empty stomach.
Effects of Shrooms on an Empty Stomach
The effects of shrooms are often heightened when taken on an empty stomach because the body absorbs them faster without food to slow the digestion process. Most people will begin to feel the effects within 20-30 minutes, which can be significantly quicker than when taken after a meal. The intensity of the effects may also be stronger.
However, without food in your stomach, you may experience:
- Nausea: A common side effect when taking shrooms without eating. Nausea can occur within the first hour of the trip and is often paired with gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Intense Come-Up: The “come-up” phase, when you begin to feel the effects, can be overwhelming if the shrooms hit you too fast, leading to anxiety or discomfort.
- Blood Sugar Drop: If you haven’t eaten in several hours, you may experience low blood sugar, which can cause dizziness, weakness, or faintness during the trip.
What to Do if You Took Shrooms on an Empty Stomach
If you find yourself in the middle of a shroom trip on an empty stomach, here are some tips to manage the situation:
- Stay Calm: If you feel overwhelmed or anxious, try to remind yourself that the sensations are temporary and will pass. It can be helpful to practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises.
- Hydrate: Drinking water or herbal tea can soothe nausea and keep you hydrated. Staying hydrated is essential, especially if you’re feeling any gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Light Snack: If you’re feeling dizzy or weak from hunger, eating a light snack like fruit or crackers can help stabilize your blood sugar without significantly disrupting your trip.
- Find a Safe Space: Being in a comfortable, familiar environment is crucial during any psychedelic experience, but it’s even more important if you’re feeling vulnerable or nauseous. Lie down in a calm, quiet space where you can relax.
- Focus on Your Breathing: Mindful breathing can help center you if you start to feel anxious. Deep, slow breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth can help you maintain focus and reduce any mounting stress.
What to Do for Nausea From Taking Shrooms on an Empty Stomach
If nausea becomes overwhelming, there are a few ways to alleviate the discomfort:
- Ginger Tea: Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea and can be particularly soothing during a trip. Sipping ginger tea may help calm your stomach and reduce feelings of nausea.
- Peppermint: Peppermint is another natural option. Peppermint tea or lozenges can soothe your stomach and promote digestion.
- Fresh Air: Sometimes getting outside and breathing in some fresh air can help reduce feelings of nausea and make you feel more grounded.
The Link Between Psychedelics and Addiction
While psychedelics like shrooms aren’t typically associated with physical dependence, some people use them as an escape from emotional pain or mental health issues. Repeated use of psychedelics can lead to a pattern of self-medicating, which can evolve into problematic behavior over time. If you find yourself relying on shrooms or other substances to cope with life’s challenges, it’s essential to seek help before it turns into a more serious addiction.
If you are looking for support in breaking free of substance abuse, Ray Recovery is a drug rehab in Ohio that can help. We offer outpatient addiction treatment services both at our facility and online through our virtual IOP services. Our team of compassionate specialists utilizes a therapy of proven therapies to help our clients make strides in their recovery. Contact our drug rehab center today to learn more.