Does DMT Addiction Require a Detox?
There are a lot of assumptions surrounding detox. For example, many believe that every substance requires a detox. On the other side of the token, some may believe that it is safe to detox from any substance without professional support. The reality is that neither of these assumptions is entirely true. As with most aspects of recovery, there are nuances when it comes to detoxing. For instance, it is unsafe to detox from alcohol alone, but this may not always be the case for substances like hallucinogens. Yet, while not every substance, like DMT, requires a detox, it can be very helpful to engage with professionals during this process in some capacity.
What Exactly Is DMT?
DMT is a complex substance that can be both biological and synthetic. 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.”
The reason that many people use DMT is that it produces a hallucinogenic effect that causes feelings of euphoria. Still, many people find this euphoric feeling essential to their day-to-day lives, which can ultimately lead to addiction.
Better Understanding DMT Addiction
There is a misconception out there that hallucinogens like DMT are not addictive. This is simply not the case. While, yes, there may be an argument that they are not physically addictive (which there is much debate around, still) they may very well be emotionally and mentally addictive. This leads to what is commonly known as hallucinogen use disorder.
According to the Addictive Behaviors Reports, “Use of hallucinogens frequently presents alongside other substance use issues and mental health problems. Using the [National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions] NESARC data, Shalit and colleagues reported that hallucinogen use was significantly associated with mood disorders, anxiety disorders (particularly PTSD), eating disorders, personality disorders, substance use disorders (particularly opiate use disorder), and past suicide attempts.” This includes the use of DMT, which can also lead to addiction.
Does DMT Addiction Require a Detox?
When it comes to thinking about the pros and cons of a detox, it is important to remember that physically there are virtually no downsides. This is whether a detox is required or not.
Even if a detox is not paramount, going through the detox process can make coming down off a substance like DMT more physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually painless. A detox is also a great way to take the next steps toward ongoing recovery.
What Does a Healthy Detox Look Like?
A healthy detox is going to look very comprehensive and professional. It is also going to address many needs of the individual, both biological and social. Biologically, it is going to ensure that all of the vital nutrients and fluids are replenished for an individual.
For example, regarding alcohol detox, many people don’t realize just how depleted of essential nutrients that they have become. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, “Chronic alcoholic patients are frequently deficient in one or more vitamins. The deficiencies commonly involve folate, vitamin B6, thiamine, and vitamin A. Although inadequate dietary intake is a major cause of the vitamin deficiency, other possible mechanisms may also be involved.” The same is true with other substances like DMT.
Utilizing a Detox to Get to the Next Steps of Recovery
A healthy detox is also going to connect an individual to the next stages of their recovery. For some, this will involve residential care with 24/7 attention. Then, for others, it may involve an outpatient program. This is generally the case with people struggling with hallucinogen use disorder.
It is also important that the next steps of the recovery process, after a detox, include comprehensive and individualized modalities. This may include psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), experiential therapies like art or music therapy, and holistic healing methods like yoga. Yoga can be particularly beneficial for those after detoxing from DMT because it becomes a more healthy way to “expand one’s consciousness.” Yoga also offers many other benefits.
According to the International Journal of Yoga (IJOY), “Therapeutic yoga is defined as the application of yoga postures and practice to the treatment of health conditions. Yoga therapy involves instruction in yogic practices and teachings to prevent reduce or alleviate structural, physiological, emotional and spiritual pain, suffering, or limitations. Yogic practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.”
Long-Term Success With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we pride ourselves in our ability to treat any substance use disorder (SUD), including DMT addiction.
No, DMT addiction may not require a detox, it does require support, action, and empathy. This is exactly what we offer at The Phoenix Recovery Center.
DMT addiction, like other hallucinogen use disorders, often does not require detox. Of course, this is relative to the situation. However, DMT addiction often does require professional help, which may include residential treatment and/or an IOP. It may also include various psychotherapies and holistic healing methods. If you feel like you or a loved one is 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 go through this alone. For more information about DMT addiction and the detox process, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
