DMT Side Effects and Health Risks

As a potent hallucinogenic compound, N, N-dimethyltryptamine, or DMT, is rich in cultural heritage and at the center of contemporary discussions are its uses, side effects, and health risks.

What Is DMT?

DMT stands for N, N-dimethyltryptamine, a hallucinogen known for its potent psychoactive properties. While DMT’s effects are not immediately dangerous or fatal, they still have health risks. Occurring naturally in specific flora and fauna, dimethyltryptamine can also be laboratory-synthesized, each source presenting distinct dangers and consequences.

Within some South American traditions, DMT is integral to spiritual ceremonies, facilitating intense mental journeys. People brew ayahuasca, a plant known for its DMT content, into a tea to access DMT’s effects. Ingestion methods vary, including smoking, snorting, oral consumption, and occasionally, injection.

DMT is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the US. This is because it is believed to have no medical benefits and a high risk of abuse.

What Does DMT Look Like?

DMT can look different depending on where it comes from and how it’s made. The way it is used and if other drugs are mixed in can also affect its appearance.

The physical forms of DMT can appear as:

• A white crystalline powder
• A crystal-like powder in various colors
• Ground-up plant material in shades of brown and green
• A liquid tinted brown or red

Like other illegal drugs, DMT’s appearance can change based on who made it and what was added to it.

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Short-Term Effects of DMT

DMT’s effects are short-lived compared to other psychedelics. How long they last depends on how it’s taken and how much is taken. Smoking DMT typically produces “trips” lasting 10-60 minutes, while consuming it in ayahuasca form may extend the experience for several hours.

A DMT trip can be different for each person, depending on their mental state. It can lead to either bad experiences or profound moments of self-awareness and enlightenment, known as “ego death.” This can change how a person sees themselves and the world.

The immediate effects of DMT include:

• A distorted sense of time,
• Enhanced perception of visuals, aromas, and tactile sensations,
• Hallucinations involving sight, smell, or hearing,
• Powerful flashbacks or vivid re-experiencing of past events,
• A sense of invulnerability,
• Illusions of power and greatness,
• A feeling of detachment or out-of-body experiences

Psychologists and researchers assert that such symptoms, if observed in people who have not consumed hallucinogenic drugs, would typically be indicative of mental health disorders. Those with concurrent mental health conditions are more prone to experiencing severe or distressing trips.

The Spirit Molecule

The term “the spirit molecule” for DMT arises from its long-reported capacity to profoundly expand consciousness and alter perceptions. A theme echoed through centuries of use. Different tribes and cultures in South America have used DMT for healing, spiritual rituals, and rites of passage.

Various tribes and cultures in South America use DMT for healing, spiritual rituals, and rites of passage. During ceremonies, they consume potions or teas to enhance their spirits through meditation and sensory experiences. This helps them reach higher levels of awareness.

Scientists have found a way to make DMT in labs for research. Scientists can now create DMT in laboratories for research purposes. They have also found that the pineal gland in the brain produces a similar chemical. This discovery may help explain the intense experiences people report after near-death situations.

DMT is considered illegal in the United States, but it still draws people looking for recreational and spiritual experiences. Many people want to use DMT for therapy. However, there are no approved clinical trials for it in the country.

DMT Side Effects

The effects of DMT depend on a person’s health, how much they take, and how they take it.

DMT produces hallucinogenic effects through its interaction with brain chemical receptors, particularly those for serotonin. DMT can have both physical and mental side effects. This is because it impacts serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin is crucial for regulating mood and bodily functions.

Apart from its psychedelic impact, DMT can cause side effects such as:

• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Chest unease
• Intense anxiety
• Vomiting
• Panic or fear sensations
• Paralysis or immobility
• Rapid, uncontrolled eye movements
• Dizziness
• Hyperthermia or excessively high body temperature
• Dehydration
• Deterioration of mental health issues
• Aggressive hallucinations
• Self-harm impulses
• Headaches
• Impaired coordination
• Respiratory arrest
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Unconsciousness
• Seizures

Although rare, DMT can trigger serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Serotonin syndrome happens when there’s too much serotonin in the body. This can lead to trouble with breathing, keeping body temperature steady, heartbeat, and thinking. People who take medicine to help with feeling very sad might get this problem more often.

If you experience dangerous side effects or see someone in danger, call 911 right away. If you plan to use DMT with other medications, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider first for safety.

DMT Health Effects and Risks

DMT does not pose the same risks as other drugs, such as opioids and amphetamines, but small doses can still be dangerous for various reasons.

The main hazard associated with DMT lies in the behavior it induces during intense hallucinogenic experiences, particularly during bad trips. DMT can create a sense of invincibility and distort reality, leading to potentially dangerous actions.

Users may not realize the physical side effects of the drug. They may be more focused on the mental effects. However, these physical side effects can become severe.

People who use DMT for recreational or spiritual purposes often have a sober individual supervise them. This is done to minimize any potential risks and ensure their safety and well-being. The sober person is responsible for ensuring that the person using DMT remains safe and healthy throughout the experience. This practice of having a sober sitter present is common among those who use DMT for non-medical purposes.

DMT Long-Term Effects

Psychedelic substances such as DMT can lead to lasting changes and effects, even from a single use; the risk of long-term mental and physical consequences escalates with frequent usage and higher doses.

The long-term effects of DMT include:

• Ongoing paranoia
• Mood disorders
• Cardiac issues
• Reoccurring hallucinations
• Persistent psychosis
• Intense and unsettling flashbacks
• Intrusive thoughts
• Conditions related to seizures
• Disorganized thinking
• Restless leg syndrome
• Nerve damage
• Twitching

Some side effects can improve with medical help and treatment. Others may develop into long-term conditions that need ongoing care.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), some people may experience enduring psychosis and hallucinogenic persisting perception disorder (HPPD), characterized by continuous visual distortions, hallucinations, and symptoms similar to those of strokes and brain tumors. Although no cure exists for HPPD at present, antidepressants and ongoing therapy can help manage the symptoms.

DMT Addiction Treatment

The enticing effects of DMT can lead to its misuse, resulting in a rapid onset of addiction. Some people may become psychologically dependent on DMT, but its impact on serotonin receptors can also cause physical addiction, which requires medically supervised detox.

At White Oak Recovery Center, we provide support and treatment for all substance use disorders. Our compassionate and devoted team will help you with your specific needs and give you the knowledge and skills to beat substance abuse.

WORC is a licensed and accredited residential rehab facility that provides evidence-based treatment surrounded by patient-focused care and an empowering, family-like environment

At WORC, our team works together to create a personalized treatment plan.

Contact us today to discuss any concerns with one of our treatment experts. We are committed to assisting you on your journey to recovery.