DMT

What Is DMT?

DMT, also known as N, N-dimethyltryptamine, is a hallucinogenic drug that is usually in the form of a white powder. DMT occurs naturally in the brain but is also found in plants in Central and South America. DMT may be smoked or brewed into a drink. Rarely, people who use DMT may inject it.

DMT is not a common drug of abuse in the United States, but the use of this drug and similar compounds is increasing. Many of the people who use DMT have used other hallucinogenic drugs.

In the U.S., DMT is a Schedule I controlled substance with no legitimate medical use. Users can face fines and imprisonment for the possession, manufacture, and sale of DMT. However, DMT is part of the rituals in several indigenous South American religions. In 2006, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government cannot prevent the practitioners of religions that consider DMT to be sacred from using the drug as part of their religious expression. Nevertheless, DMT remains illegal for the vast majority of Americans.

What Are The Side Effects And Risks Of DMT?

DMT invokes a sense of euphoria, hallucinations, and what some people describe as changes in their perception of reality.

DMT effects occur because it may mimic serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness. When DMT is smoked, the effects start very quickly and wear off by around an hour or less after consumption. Drinking DMT usually has a slower onset and lasts for four to six hours.

Like any drug, DMT can cause side effects and comes with risks. Some of the possible DMT risks and dangers include:

• Dilated pupils and rapid eye movement
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Heightened body temperature
• Increased heart rate and hypertension
• Loss of muscle control
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain or tightness in the chest
• Palpitations
• Decreased appetite

DMT can also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, which can cause seizures, breathing difficulty, coma, and even death. DMT can potentially cause a “bad trip” that can worsen mental health conditions and cause terror and paranoia.

Explore These Featured Centers

What Does DMT Look Like?

DMT is usually a white, crystallized powder. Depending on the purity, it may have a yellow or pink tinge. DMT can sometimes be found in vape-like devices designed for smoking, where it often appears as an oily or waxy substance. It may have a burnt or tar-like odor when smoked. It is the active ingredient in the drink ayahuasca.

How Is DMT Used?

DMT is most often smoked or brewed into a drink. In some cases, DMT is injected or used as an enema.

What Does A DMT Trip Feel Like?

The effects of DMT are very short-lived, which differs from other psychedelic drugs like LSD or psilocybin.

Many people describe the DMT trip experience as a near-death experience. People often report feeling as if they are in an alternate world or dimension, or as if they have left their body. Some people describe vivid or bizarre visions. They may also feel a sense of security or warmth. DMT may alter perceptions of time, making it feel as though time speeds up or slows down.

Is DMT Addictive?

DMT does not cause physical tolerance with use, so increasing doses is generally not needed over time. DMT also does not cause withdrawal upon stopping use.

However, DMT may cause psychological dependence, as people may become preoccupied with using the medication for the sensation of escaping reality.

How To Know If Someone Is Using DMT

DMT is quickly metabolized by the body, which is one of the reasons its effects are so short-lived. This also makes it difficult to get accurate results using a blood or urine test.

DMT symptoms and warning signs may be obvious if the person is currently under the influence of the drug, as they may be incapacitated. However, a shift in mood or paranoid behavior may be a sign that someone is abusing hallucinogens frequently. Unregulated drugs like DMT are dangerous and illegal, and there is no guarantee that someone will have a safe or positive experience.

Does DMT Abuse Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?

DMT does not cause typical withdrawal symptoms, but some people may experience a comedown from the drug. Comedown is a phase of drug withdrawal when the drugs are leaving the body, and the user often feels sad or fatigued. There have been some reports of a comedown from DMT happening abruptly after tripping.

Anxiety, confusion, fear, and feeling unsettled are some of the feelings associated with the comedown. Users may also have trouble sleeping or focusing for days afterward.

Drugs Commonly Combined With DMT

DMT is sometimes combined with drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) to lengthen the experience. This combination can be dangerous. Some people also use DMT with cannabis.

It is important to note that DMT can significantly increase the risk of serotonin syndrome if combined with other drugs that can raise serotonin levels, such as some types of antidepressants. DMT may also raise the risk of seizures, so it is dangerous to take DMT in combination with other substances, including some prescription medications.

DMT should not be combined with:

• Antidepressants (MAOIs, SSRIs, SNRIs)
• Other psychedelic drugs
• Cannabis
• Stimulants
• Opioids
• Alcohol

DMT is illegal in the United States (with rare exceptions), so it has not been studied in combination with other drugs, including prescriptions.

When To Seek Professional Help

Inpatient treatment is not often needed for people who have tried DMT because it does not cause physical addiction or dependence. However, rehab is often beneficial for people who are abusing multiple drugs.

Many who use drugs are trying to find ways to cope with their life or mental health concerns. People in this situation often benefit from online therapy to support their recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a DMT or polydrug use habit, visit our rehab directory or contact a treatment provider today to learn more about recovery options. There are rehab centers and support groups throughout the country for people who need help with overcoming addiction.