DMT, Dimitri, or N, N-dimethyltryptamine, is a hallucinogenic tryptamine drug that produces similar side effects to those of other psychedelics like LSD and shrooms. DMT is currently a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, making it illegal to purchase, manufacture, possess, and distribute. As a Schedule I substance, DMT also serves no medical purpose and has a high potential for abuse. Because it’s becoming more popular among recreational drug users, it’s important to understand the dangers of DMT. Our drug rehab facility in Massachusetts is sharing what you should know about DMT drug addiction and how to recognize it.
Is DMT Addictive?
DMT is addictive and is identified as a drug with a high potential for abuse that serves no medical purpose in the U.S. This drug originated in South America and can either be found naturally in plants or can be made in a laboratory. It was originally synthesized by British chemist Richard Manske in 1931 but didn’t gain popularity until the 1960s. DMT is the main active ingredient in another substance called ayahuasca, which is a psychoactive brew. N, N-dimethyltryptamine usually comes in the form of a white, crystalline powder that can be smoked, injected, vaporized, or snorted. It’s commonly used in religious ceremonies and mixed into tea-like drinks to create various side effects.
Like other psychedelic drugs, a person can develop a dependence on DMT that may require addiction treatment to recover from. At Clearbrook Massachusetts, we offer medically monitored detox to help kickstart a patient’s recovery by helping them safely wean off of drugs and alcohol. This is the safest way to flush any toxins from the individual’s system while incorporating medical treatment as needed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Signs of DMT Addiction
The signs of DMT abuse become more obvious as the person’s use progresses. Since DMT is a psychedelic, a person using this drug may exhibit certain emotional and behavioral symptoms.
Common symptoms of DMT abuse include:
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Erratic behavior
- Paranoia and anxiety
- Sudden shift in behavior
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
- Dilated pupils
- Disruption in carrying out daily responsibilities
- Impaired coordination
- Loss of appetite
- Increased body temperature
- Highly emotional
- Loss of memory
- Lack of motivation
- Decreased ability to make decisions
- Difficulties concentrating
If you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s time to get help. We offer a residential treatment program in Massachusetts that separates patients from daily distractions, temptations, and triggers. This program is most beneficial to individuals struggling with a severe drug or alcohol addiction who need 24-hour care.
What Are the Side Effects of DMT?
DMT drug effects usually kick in pretty quickly, occurring within 5 to 10 minutes and can last anywhere between 30 and 45 minutes. When it’s drunk in a tea, its side effects may take longer manifest, usually within 20 to 60 minutes. Some DMT users experience an increased sense of self-awareness and introspection, which is why it’s also called “The Spirit Molecule”; however, not all users experience the same symptoms. As a psychedelic, the severity and longevity of DMT side effects can vary depending on the person’s health, whether they’ve used other substances, and the dose they ingested.
Some common side effects of DMT include:
- Euphoria
- Sensation of floating
- Out of body experience or feeling detached from your body (depersonalization)
- Auditory and visual hallucinations (hearing and seeing things that aren’t real)
- Altered sense of time
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Delusions
- Dizziness
- Dilated pupils
- Paranoia and anxiety
- Chest pains
- Rapid or sporadic eye movement
- Nausea and vomiting
DMT effects on health can lead to several problems. Chronic use of DMT can lead to hypertension, seizures, loss of muscle strength and coordination, respiratory arrest, and coma. Another common condition that can result from the use of hallucinogens like DMT includes psychosis and hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). Individuals with mental disorders who use DMT are more likely to develop HPPD and other psychosis-related symptoms.
Can You Overdose On DMT?
While a DMT overdose is rare, it is possible. Side effects like respiratory arrest – when a person stops breathing – and cardiac arrest or heart attack have been known to occur when large doses of DMT are ingested.
Some common symptoms of DMT overdose to look out for include:
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Difficulties breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Stomach pains
- Chest pains or tightness
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
The risk of overdosing on DMT increases when a person takes it with other drugs or alcohol. Mixing different drugs and alcohol can increase the severity of their side effects, causing further health problems.
We’re sharing what you should know about DMT drug addiction so you can avoid it and help someone else who may be using this drug. Individuals addicted to DMT are at risk of experiencing permanent physical repercussions. If you or someone you know has developed a DMT drug addiction or any other substance abuse disorder, call us now at 570-536-9621 to learn more about our levels of care.
