How Dangerous Is DMT?
Many people disregard psychedelics like DMT as being as dangerous as other substances. There are many reasons for this. For instance, they are often associated with more tranquil and tempered environments. Next, many psychedelics are becoming legalized in the U.S. and around the globe. Lastly, many don’t consider them addictive. The issue is that these ideas are fallacies. So, the answer to the question, “How dangerous is DMT?” is that it can be very dangerous.
What is DMT?
At its core, DMT is a high-powered hallucinogen. 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.”
DMT is often used ceremonially in shamanistic rituals to produce vivid, dreamlike states. While this type of ceremony should be respected culturally and traditionally, it has now been infiltrated and corrupted by people just looking to feel its euphoric effects (to get “high”). However, it is important to note that despite its traditional use, DMT is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act in the U.S. This classification highlights the substance’s potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use, making its recreational use particularly concerning.
These ceremonies involving DMT are also unregulated. So, there is no guarantee of the safety of the individuals taking part. This situation makes using DMT particularly dangerous.
How Dangerous Is DMT?
Back to the question, “How dangerous is DMT?” Its dangers depend on the circumstances.While traditional use in certain cultures may be associated with spiritual and ritualistic practices, this does not eliminate the inherent physiological dangers.
Some people also use DMT in therapy. It is also not fair to say this situation is dangerous because it is being monitored by a professional (though, again, we know risks are certainly still involved).
However, it is fair to say that the recreational use of DMT is dangerous. There are no regulations, and there are no professionals involved. This type of recreational use can also lead to addiction, specifically psychological addiction.
DMT Side Effects and Health Risks
DMT use is associated with both short-term and long-term side effects that can be extremely dangerous. Short-term effects include increased heart rate, dizziness, agitation, seizures, and dilated pupils. Long-term effects, though less well-documented, may include flashbacks, anxiety, and heart issues. In severe cases, DMT use has been linked to respiratory arrest and asphyxiation, particularly when combined with other substances.
Is DMT Addictive?
The primary reason that DMT is dangerous is that it can lead to addiction. While physical addiction to DMT is not well-documented, psychological dependence is a significant risk. Users may develop a hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), where they experience flashbacks of drug-induced hallucinations long after the drug has been metabolized. This condition can severely impact mental health, leading to increased anxiety, paranoia, and depression. It can also lead to hallucinogen use disorder, which holds even more dangers. According to the peer-reviewed journal Addictive Behaviors Reports, “Use of hallucinogens frequently presents alongside other substance use issues and mental health problems. Using the NESARC [the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions] data, [researchers] 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.”
DMT is addictive because, psychologically, it makes the individual feel as though they need the substance to enjoy their reality. This makes psychedelics similarly addictive to other substances as it coerces the individual into continual use (even when negative consequences begin to occur). Psychological addiction is just one of the signs that someone may have a problem with DMT.
Serotonin Syndrome and Polysubstance Use
One of the most dangerous aspects of DMT use is the risk of serotonin syndrome, especially when combined with other substances that affect serotonin levels, such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or certain recreational drugs. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, and in severe cases, seizures or unconsciousness.
How Dangerous Is DMT? The Signs and Symptoms of DMT Addiction
There are many visible signs and symptoms that someone may have DMT addiction. The following are just a few of those signs:
- Pupils are dilated, and eyes are bloodshot
- Isolating away from friends and family
- Having gastrointestinal problems, feeling nauseous, and vomiting
- Trouble communicating
- Having cognitive issues
- Feeling anxious or depressed when not using DMT
- Changes in sleep habits, such as sleeping too much or sleeping too little
- Losing touch with reality
If any or all of these symptoms are present, it may be time to seek help. The good news is that there are plenty of effective ways to treat DMT addiction.
Recovery From DMT Addiction
DMT addiction is generally treated via psychotherapy and work with other people in recovery. Psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help get to the underlying issues of why someone might have felt the need to use DMT in the first place.
Working with others is a great way to get inspired and remain accountable to one’s recovery plan. Working with others in recovery allows the individual an opportunity to take their experience of active addiction and make it into a tool that can help others. As is often said, someone in recovery is “uniquely qualified” to help others in the situation they once were. It is a “We” program, never a “Me” program.
Long-Term Success at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we know how hard it can be to struggle with addiction. Many of us have been there ourselves, and then we went through treatment, came out stronger on the other side, and committed to helping others.
Our primary purpose is to help anyone ready to recover. That is our promise. That is the Phoenix difference.
DMT can be particularly dangerous because it can be extremely addictive. It can also lead to other co-occurring mental health disorders, as well as hallucinogen-induced psychosis and hallucinogen use disorder. The good news is many effective modalities can help one recover from DMT addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to do this alone. For more information about what DMT addiction looks like and how to recover from it mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
