In the last ten years or so, DMT has become a more well-known drug. High-profile figures such as Joe Rogan have talked openly and positively about the hallucinogenic drug.
In addiction treatment circles it has gained more attention and is now being used in some trials to help treat people with alcoholism.
It is a drug that has grown in popularity and has been used by humans for thousands of years, but many people are unaware of DMT side effects and risks. It’s important to know them, along with what is in DMT, if it’s addictive and whether drug rehab can help if you are struggling.
What is DMT?
DMT (N, N-Dimethyltryptamine) is a psychedelic drug that is found naturally in many plants and animals. Humans have a long history with DMT and it is considered a spiritual substance that is used in many ceremonies by indigenous peoples across the world. Especially in South America, it is used by Amazonian communities as an ingredient in ayahuasca, a psychedelic tea.
Due to its hallucinogenic properties and the intense experiences it can cause, it is referred to as the “spirit molecule”.
Despite its historical and cultural importance, it is a Class A drug in the UK under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It is illegal to possess, distribute, or manufacture.
How is DMT Used?
DMT can be:
- Smoked or vaped for quick effects lasting 5 – 20 minutes.
- Ingested orally (ayahuasca brews) for more prolonged effects, lasting 4-6 hours.
- Injection
- Snorted as a powder
Compared to other psychedelic drugs, like LSD, DMT is a shorter-acting substance.
What Does DMT Contain?
DMT is found naturally in plants such as Psychotria viridis, Diplopterys cabrerana and Mimosa tenuiflora, which are mostly found in South America.
It can be made synthetically in labs, extracting DMT from these plants. Other chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide, are used in the extraction process. The synthetic form of DMT can be more potent than the naturally occurring form produced by indigenous communities and can be chemically altered for stronger effects.
In this form, it is usually sold as a white powder for illegal selling. Contaminants and adulterants find their way into illicit DMT due to poor safety measures in illegal labs and producers wanting to largen their profit margins to enhance the drug or increase the amount of product. The presence of contaminants and adulterants also increases toxicity risks.
What are the Risks of Using DMT?
While many espouse the benefits of DMT, using it comes with many dangers.
1. Psychological Distress
The trips that DMT take people on can trigger panic attacks, paranoia and anxiety due to how the drug messes with your perception. You may see things that scare or trigger you, and the anxiety can remain long after the DMT has worn off.
The use of DMT can cause a chronic condition known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), where long after you have used the drug, you experience flashbacks and the hallucinogenic effects again.
People with mental health issues, especially psychosis or schizophrenia, are at risk, as DMT can cause relapses.
2. Physical Side Effects
There are many physical DMT side effects and risks, including:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting (particularly with ayahuasca use)
- Muscle spasms or tremors
- Loss of coordination and physical control
- Dilated pupils
- Seizures
3. Dangerous Behaviour and Accidents
DMT changes your perception of reality, which can lead to impaired judgement. What you see and hear might not be true, so you put yourself at risk of injury and accidents.
During hallucinations, you may wander into unsafe areas, attack people or operate a vehicle.
4. Dependency and Psychological Addiction
So, is DMT addictive?
Physically, it is not, which has created the idea that DMT is non-addictive. However, people can develop psychological dependence as they keep using the drug to experience hallucinations and gain some epiphany while on a trip.
People may keep using hallucinogens to escape reality, seek answers or try to cope with negative emotions.
Extended and repeated use could mean a development of tolerance to the drug, meaning higher doses are taken. Also, people who use DMT regularly often start mixing with other psychoactive drugs and alcohol – increasing the risk of tolerance and addiction developing.
5. Interactions with Medications
DMT interacts dangerously with prescription medications.
DMT, used with antidepressants such as SSRIs, can cause dangerously high levels of serotonin, leading to serotonin syndrome. This is a life-threatening issue that can cause high blood pressure, rapid heart rate and seizures.
Combining DMT and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may lead to prolonged and severe experiences as MAOIs can intensify the hallucinogen.
Taking antipsychotic medication alongside DMT can be unpredictable as DMT can lessen the effects of the medication, as well as cause perception and mood changes.
What are the Effects of DMT?
As DMT is a hallucinogen, the effects of the drug create an experience that most immediately impacts your perception. Hallucinogenic effects include:
- Visual and auditory distortions (vibrant colours, geometric patterns, etc.)
- Out-of-body experiences – feeling you are floating above yourself
- Feelings of euphoria or having some tremendous spiritual epiphany
- Altered perception of time and space
There are, however, unintended negative effects that sometimes occur, such as:
- A bad trip that causes anxiety and paranoia
- Disconnection from reality (derealisation)
- Intense fear or emotional distress
Can DMT Cause Overdose?
Fatal overdoses are very rare with DMT. However, at high doses of DMT or when mixing it with other drugs or alcohol, the risk of an overdose increases.
Signs of a DMT-involved overdose include:
- Severe agitation or hallucinations
- Heart attack or stroke due to increased blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
- Respiratory distress
- Panic
- Seizures
- Lack of muscle coordination
If you experience these symptoms or see anyone else doing so, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Recognising Problematic DMT Use
Whilst DMT is not physically addictive, abuse of it can develop over time. You need to be aware of signs of problematic use so you make steps towards change.
Signs of problematic use include:
- Taking more DMT than intended
- Cravings or obsession with achieving hallucinations
- Using DMT to escape emotions or reality
- Increases doses despite negative consequences
- Becoming less social
- Engaging in riskier behaviour
- Trying to stop using DMT and being unable to
- Abandoning hobbies and activities you once enjoyed
- Ignoring obligations
Treatment Options for DMT Dependency
DMT does not create a physical dependence. A psychological dependence takes longer to overcome, and professional support is needed to help with long-term recovery. Addiction Advocates has many forms of treatment available, including:
- Medical Detox Programmes – Many people mix DMT with other substances that foster physical dependence. Detox is the process of removing harmful toxins from your body and dealing with the withdrawal in a safe environment under medical supervision.
- Therapy and Counselling – CBT and other psychotherapies are used to address underlying emotional triggers and learn healthier coping mechanisms.
- Group Therapy – Provides a chance for peer support by sharing experiences and forming a support network.
- Holistic Approaches – Mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques help improve overall mental well-being.
- Aftercare Programmes – Ongoing support for relapse prevention. This can be in the form of continued group meetings and a relapse prevention plan.
Is DMT Worth the Risk?
While DMT has historical and cultural significance and is promoted as a path to spiritual enlightenment, the drug carries with it serious risks. Mental health issues, dependency, and dangerous behaviours are all potential outcomes.
You should think about your use of DMT, and if you are experiencing problems, seek help.
At Addiction Advocates, we offer confidential advice and treatment options to ensure you get the support you need. To learn more about us, call now at 0800 012 6088.