Is DMT Harmful?
DMT (dimethyltryptamine)
is a hallucinogenic compound found naturally in a variety of plant species and
produced endogenously in the human brain. Although the brain produces it
naturally, the compound itself is still a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled
Substances Act, as the drug produces psychoactive effects and no known medical
value has been established by the FDA.
DMT may be consumed in
the psychedelic Amazonian plant brew known as ayahuasca, or it may be snorted,
smoked, or injected in a synthetic white crystalline powder form.
DMT does not appear to
produce tolerance and dependence in the same way that drugs like cocaine,
heroin or alcohol do. However, there are still adverse effects associated with
use and abuse of DMT.
DMT’s Short-Term Effects
DMT is commonly taken by
users seeking a psychedelic “trip” similar to those produced by the ingestion
of LSD or psilocybin. Many drug users choose DMT as an alternative to LSD
because the duration of the trip is much shorter, lasting approximately 30 to
45 minutes rather than several hours, as is the case with LSD.
The drug has a rapid
onset and effects are typically felt immediately.
A hallucinogenic DMT trip
usually results in:
- Altered perception
of time and space.
- Feelings of
intense joy.
- Visual and
auditory hallucinations.
- Out-of-body
experience.
- Perception of
bright, intensified colors.
- Perceived insights
or epiphanies (often believed to have come from aliens, divinities or other
mystical beings).
Side Effects
- Physiological side
effects of DMT may include:
- Dilated pupils.
- Involuntary rapid
eye movement.
- Increased heart
rate.
- High blood
pressure.
- Coordination
problems.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea and
vomiting (typically when taken in oral forms such as ayahuasca).
- Coma and/or
respiratory arrest (reported in high doses).
Long-Term Effects of Abusing DMT
You can easily find DMT for sale online but you need to do more research that needs to be done in order to determine the long-term adverse effects of DMT abuse. As of now, research has not indicated that DMT creates tolerance in users.
The greatest risks of long-term use of DMT are psychological since use puts the individual at the risk of developing psychosis and experiencing persistent flashbacks and hallucinations. Flashbacks can occur frequently and spontaneously. Some users may experience flashbacks of drug experiences months or even years after use. Flashbacks may cause a feeling of re-experiencing the hallucinogenic trip, resulting in a re-emergence of visual or auditory hallucinations or a reliving of traumatic memories or experiences.
Frequent use of the
classic hallucinogens as class to which DMT belongs can lead to persistent
psychosis. Symptoms of persistent psychosis include:
- Disordered mood.
- Disorganized
thought.
- Persistent
paranoia.
- Visual
disturbances.
DMT Addiction Treatment
Currently, there are no
FDA-approved medications for the treatment of DMT addiction 2. However, those
who are struggling with addiction to DMT can seek effective behavioral
therapies to help them control their drug use and find sobriety. Some common
forms of behavioral therapy and treatment that may benefit someone struggling
with DMT abuse include 5:
- Individual or
group counseling: One on one or group counseling to address the underlying
factors contributing to the abuse.
- Cognitive
behavioral therapy: A type of therapy that focuses on teaching individuals’
techniques to use to cope with cravings in a healthy way and avoid relapse when
a craving arises.
- 12-step programs:
Support groups that provide a linear, step-by-step process to recovery amongst
the support of peers facing similar addictions and struggles.
- Contingency
management (behavioral incentives): A strategy that provides rewards and other
forms of positive reinforcement for specific target behaviors such as
abstinence.