What is DMT? Effects of Use and Treatment for Addiction

Introduction to DMT: Understanding the Basics

DMT (dimethyltryptamine) is a popular topic these days in blog posts, the news, and social media, and after hearing it mentioned for the hundredth time on your favorite podcast, you may be asking yourself “What is DMT, and why does it seem like it is everywhere right now?” DMT is a highly studied psychedelic drug that produces powerful experiences by altering brain activity. It increases communication between different parts of the brain, especially those linked to imagination, language, and semantics. It is consumed orally, in prepared brews, it may be smoked or vaporized, and in some cases, the white powder may be snorted or injected.

The drug has become popular in the zeitgeist of the past few years for a few reasons. Some popular mainstream and alternative media sources have spoken about the purported benefits of using DMT for treating mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, while others have lauded its ability to “expand the mind”.

Although medical professionals and scientists have been looking into any potential benefits this substance may have in treating certain mental health disorders, experimenting with this type of powerful hallucinogenic substance as self-medication or for recreation can be dangerous.

 

The Psychedelic Experience: DMT Effects on the Mind and Body

Dimethyltryptamine is a substance that can be found in certain plants and animals, and small amounts are even produced by the brain. It is also the main psychoactive compound in ayahuasca, a traditional Central American drug used in spiritual practices.

In 2019, Johns Hopkins researchers found that approximately 80% of users who received the drug as part of a spiritual ritual reported a better sense of well-being and life satisfaction afterward. Trials have been done on DMT and micro-dosing a variety of psychedelic drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease and it has been studied as a potential treatment for depression. A recent NIH article also speaks on an intravenous dose as having the potential to be tailored to individual needs in the future, but as of now, DMT use is not legal, nor is it considered to be an evidence-based or scientifically sanctioned treatment.

DMT vs Acid: Comparing Psychedelic Experiences

When comparing DMT vs. Acid (LSD), one of the major differences is the length of time the psychedelic effects last. LSD can last from eight to twelve hours on average, while a DMT “trip” takes approximately 30 to 90 minutes.

Like all psychedelic events, everybody has a unique experience. Some users describe DMT use as being like an otherworldly near-death experience, with total shifts in the perception of identity and reality that can be profoundly upsetting and frightening. You may see, hear, feel, taste, and smell things that are not real. It has a much quicker onset than LSD, with a high intensity that you cannot escape. LSD, on the other hand, lasts a very long time, with a peak that takes hours and includes visual and auditory hallucinations while enhancing emotion and perception.

The Link Between DMT Use and Anxiety

While the purported benefits of using DMT include increased creativity, insight, and a unique hallucinogenic experience, there is also a risk of increased DMT anxiety. The tryptamine drug is a serotonergic hallucinogen, meaning it blocks serotonin in the body, and it inhibits dopamine and adrenaline, which can cause negative effects on your mental health.

Using DMT also causes acute anxiety symptoms, worsening anxiety by intensifying panic and nervous feelings which can cause you to breathe rapidly, and can manifest a “bad trip” with frightening, inescapable visuals and emotions.

Recognizing DMT Addiction and Abuse

A person who uses DMT may become paranoid or have strange mood shifts, but it is not always easy to spot a person with a DMT addiction. The drug leaves the system quickly, and they will likely not show many outward signs unless you see the person in the middle of a drug trip. In that case, they will:

• Have an altered sense of time and space, or feel like they are outside of their own body
• Experience profound, intense hallucinations that can be visual, auditory, and tactile
• Perceive of otherworldly sights, beings, feelings, and experiences

Someone addicted to DMT may also:

• Have urges to use the drug that they find difficult to ignore
• Spend all their time and money on finding more DMT, using it, and recovering, causing personal and financial problems in their life
• Talk about insights from God, aliens, or magical beings, and otherwise feel out of touch with reality
• Lie to their loved ones about their drug use or become secretive
• Experience flashbacks when not using the drug

The Risks Associated with DMT Abuse

Some of the biggest risks associated with DMT abuse and DMT addiction include:

• Side effects like increased heart rate, blood pressure spikes, chest pain, agitation, dilated pupils, rapid uncontrollable eye movements, and dizziness. At high doses, it can lead to seizures, coma, and respiratory arrest
• People with pre-existing psychological issues or mental illnesses like psychosis and schizophrenia may cause their mental health issues to worsen. Depersonalization is a common side effect of this drug
• Younger people who abuse drugs like DMT as teenagers have a higher risk of developing a lower IQ and having permanent memory loss
• Serotonin syndrome is another serious risk, especially for those who are using antidepressant drugs. This syndrome occurs when the body accumulates too much serotonin, causing headaches, agitation, confusion, and loss of muscle coordination. Without treatment, serotonin syndrome can cause seizures, respiratory failure, and death
• DMT is a Schedule 1 controlled substance in the USA, meaning it is illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute the drug. DMT abuse will put you at risk of facing legal consequences
• While it is not physically addictive, DMT users can develop a tolerance and may need to take more each time to experience the same level of intoxication. There is also a risk of developing a psychological dependency

Treatment Options for DMT Addiction

Like all substance abuse treatment programs, DMT treatment takes more than just stopping drug use. There are usually a variety of reasons a person may start to experiment with drug use, and a treatment program that addresses the psychological, social, emotional, behavioral, and physical health needs of the person will be the most effective form of treatment.

At WhiteSands, there are customizable inpatient and outpatient treatment options available to all patients, with several Florida locations to choose from. These programs may include luxury amenities, evidence-based therapies, group counseling and activities, health and wellness programs, holistic healing options, relapse prevention programs, case management services, family therapy, and more. Our team will collaborate with you to create a custom program that will help you quit abusing drugs, and live a healthy, sober life.

WhiteSands Treatment’s Approach to DMT Addiction

At WhiteSands, we know that although DMT may not be physically addictive, many factors may cause you to feel the need to continue using the drug. Through a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates physical and mental health care, along with treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, relapse prevention programs, and holistic healing, you will heal the underlying reasons for drug abuse, while having time to rest, relax, and recuperate.

Substance use disorders are complex issues and require personalized treatment, and at WhiteSands, our luxury facilities, high-end amenities, and tailored holistic care plans will give you all the help you need as you take control back over your life and your health. To speak to an expert about the treatment options we offer and how we can help you please phone us at 877-855-3470. Your call will be 100% confidential.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.