What is DMT Therapy?
When thinking about the substance DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine), it is important to remember that there are complexities that go with it. More specifically, DMT can both be extremely dangerous and damaging, yet has also been shown, in some studies, to help treat certain mental health and addiction issues. This is DMT therapy, and it should be thoroughly researched before one decides to engage with it.
What Exactly Is DMT?
DMT is a highly potent hallucinogen that can be derived from both plants and animals. It can also be broken down into much more complex terms.
According to the peer-reviewed journal, Brain Research Bulletin, “N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an indole alkaloid widely found in plants and animals. It is best known for producing brief and intense psychedelic effects when ingested. Increasing evidence suggests that endogenous DMT plays important roles for a number of processes in the periphery and central nervous system, and may act as a neurotransmitter.” It is these roles that make DMT a substance of interest in psychological circles.
However, before delving into DMT therapy and its potential benefits, it is important to first discuss the potential dangers of DMT. These dangers are especially present when DMT is used recreationally outside of a therapeutic setting.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of DMT Addiction
When someone has ingested DMT it is almost always clearly evident. This is especially true right after an individual has used DMT as they most likely will become wholly incapacitated for a brief time.
However, there are still many signs that someone is using DMT that are more subtle then as if they had just used the substance. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Isolating away from friends and family
- Exhibiting uncharacteristic mood swings
- Dilated pupils
- Seeming nervous, anxious, and paranoid
- Having trouble putting thoughts together
- Difficulty communicating
- Appearing shakey, pale, and sweaty
- Feeling nauseous and vomiting
- Hallucinating and having trouble distinguishing between fantasy and reality
- Feeling depressed when not using DMT
As one can see, these are pretty significant side effects. They probably have many people asking, “Why would anyone want to experiment with DMT therapy?” The answer is that DMT therapy is overseen by professionals and thus the potential for these side effects and dangers are greatly reduced.
What Exactly Is DMT Therapy?
DMT therapy (also known as DMT-assisted therapy and psychedelic-assisted therapy) is very much what it sounds like. It is the integration of DMT into a traditional psychotherapeutic setting (“talk” therapy). Of course, DMT therapy must always be administered by medical and psychological professionals.
According to the peer-reviewed journal, Cureus, “[Psychedelic-assisted therapy] includes an evaluation by a medical professional to ensure safety, a few sessions to prepare the patient and build rapport, and one to three (six to eight hours) sessions where the patient is under the psychedelic influence. Finally, there are integration sessions where the experience is processed and explored. The positive outcomes of these intensive treatments are likely due to the intensity of the interventions themselves.” This “intensity” can be both a pro and a con of DMT therapy.
DMT Therapy: Pros and Cons
As previously mentioned, the intensity of DMT therapy can have both pros and cons. This is because the intense experience may help bring many underlying issues up to the surface, but it may also be too intense for those not ready to have such an experience.
There are also some other positive facets regarding DMT therapy. The first facet is that most professionals agree that DMT is not physically addictive. DMT-assisted therapy can offer rapid relief from depressive symptoms, and can also reduce trait anxiety and neuroticism. These effects are believed to be linked to the intensity of the psychedelic experience, often characterized by ‘Oceanic Boundlessness,’ a state associated with feelings of unity and dissolution of the ego. Additionally, DMT therapy can promote neuroplasticity, enhancing the brain’s ability to form new connections, which is crucial in treating mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD. DMT therapy can help shy individuals engage more comfortably with their doctor. Lastly, research has shown that it can be highly effective at treating issues of underlying trauma and post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).
However, with the positive factors also come some negative elements to take into account. For example, while DMT may not be physically addictive, it could be psychologically addictive. This may lead to hallucinogen use disorder (though this is highly unlikely in a professional setting). DMT therapy can bring up traumas that people are not ready to face. This could cause an individual to recede deeper into themselves and bury their traumas down further. Finally, DMT therapy can be particularly expensive and is most likely not covered by one’s insurance (though this should always be checked and researched independently).
DMT Therapy in Clinical Trials: Safety and Efficacy
Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that DMT-assisted therapy is both safe and well-tolerated in patients with no prior experience with psychedelics. Phase I trials have established a favorable safety profile, with most participants experiencing mild and transient side effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. Phase II trials are currently underway to assess the efficacy of DMT in treating moderate to severe depression, with early results suggesting significant potential.
Comparing DMT with Other Psychedelic Therapies
While DMT is often compared to other psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD, it offers unique advantages due to its short duration of action and intense, immersive experiences. These characteristics make DMT a compelling option for those seeking profound therapeutic breakthroughs in a shorter time frame. However, its intensity requires careful management within a therapeutic setting, ensuring that patients are well-prepared and supported throughout the process.
Healing at the Cellular Level With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in healing at the cellular level. What does this mean? It means healing all aspects of oneself – the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
We achieve this whole mind-body healing by creating comprehensive recovery plans that are tailor-made for each client. No one should have to go through recovery alone. At The Phoneix Recovery Center, no one does.
DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine) treatment/therapy is a therapist-assisted psychedelic therapy that claims to treat several different types of mental illnesses and addictions. Because this is a new and novel therapy, one should always be aware of the pros and cons. This is especially true because DMT can be both harmful and addictive. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to do this alone. For more information about DMT therapy and/or DMT addiction, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
