DMT 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 Northeast addictions treatment center is sharing what you should know about DMT addiction and how to recognize it.
Is DMT Addictive?
Yes, you can get addicted to DMT. This substance 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 it 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 our Massachusetts rehab, we offer medically monitored detox to help kickstart a patient’s recovery by helping them safely wean off 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 addiction include:
- A sudden shift in behavior
- Decreased ability to make decisions
- Difficulties concentrating
- Dilated pupils
- Disruption in carrying out daily responsibilities
- Erratic behavior
- Highly emotional
- Impaired coordination
- Increased body temperature
- Irritability
- Lack of motivation
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of memory
- Mood swings
- Paranoia and anxiety
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
If you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s time to get help. Our Massachusetts inpatient drug rehab 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 Dangers of DMT?
DMT drug effects usually kick in quickly, occurring within 5 to 10 minutes, and can last anywhere between 30 and 45 minutes. When it’s drunk in tea, its side effects may take longer to 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:
- Altered sense of time
- Auditory and visual hallucinations (hearing and seeing things that aren’t real)
- Chest pains
- Delusions
- Dilated pupils
- Dizziness
- Euphoria
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Out-of-body experience or feeling detached from your body (depersonalization)
- Paranoia and anxiety
- Rapid or sporadic eye movement
- Sensation of floating
DMT effects on health can lead to several problems, including hypertension, seizures, loss of muscle strength and coordination, respiratory arrest, and coma. Other common conditions that can result from the use of hallucinogens like DMT include psychosis and hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD). It’s important to note that 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:
- Chest pains or tightness
- Confusion
- Difficulties breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Stomach pains
The risk of overdosing on DMT increases when a person takes it with other drugs or alcohol. Mixing different substances can increase the severity of their side effects, causing further health problems. The body may also struggle to properly process certain substances when they’re taken together, increasing the risk of complications like an overdose.
DMT Addiction Treatment
We’ve shared what you should know about DMT 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 addiction or any other substance abuse disorder, contact Clearbrook Treatment Centers now at 570-536-9621 to learn more about our Massachusetts substance abuse treatment and how we can support recovery.
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