What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of DMT Addiction?
As with most illicit substances, there are both short-term and long-term side effects of DMT. This is why getting help as soon as possible is critical. It can mean the difference between experiencing just the short-term effects or living with them (and more) in the long term. The good news is there are many effective treatment tools to help recover from the side effects of DMT.
What Is DMT?
DMT is a relatively potent plant and animal-derived hallucinogen. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Brain Research Bulletin, “N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an indole alkaloid widely found in nature… DMT has become of interest because when ingested, it causes brief, episodic visual hallucinations at high concentrations.” Also, “DMT is one of the major psychoactive compounds found in various shamanistic compounds (e.g., ayahuasca, hoasca, yagé) used in South America for centuries and has, more recently found its way into Europe and North America as a recreational drug.”
DMT can often be dismissed as being less dangerous than other illicit substances because many people argue that it is not addictive. However, while it may not be physically addictive, it can be psychologically addictive which can be just as dangerous.
Signs of DMT Addiction
Excessive misuse of DMT can cause something known as hallucinogen use disorder. The primary issue for those with this disorder is that they become addicted to the substance and cannot stop using the substance.
They also go through the side effects of withdrawals when not using DMT. These withdrawals may include feeling anxious and depressed when they are not using the substance, and even feeling physically ill when not using DMT (though this may be psychosomatic, it can still be intense).
The Long-Term Side Effects of DMT Addiction
The long-term side effects of DMT addiction can be both devastating to the individual and damaging to family and friends. It can get in the way of an individual’s goals, as well as in the way of a family’s growth.
The long-term side effects also affect every aspect of a person’s life. These side effects can be physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual.
Physical Side Effects of DMT Addiction
While DMT may not be physically addictive (though there are still arguments against this), it can still have physical side effects. This can also be specifically related to how DMT is used. Perhaps the most damaging way that DMT can be used is by smoking it, which can cause respiratory and cardiovascular damage.
There are also other physical side effects of DMT use. These side effects include:
- Dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes
- gastrointestinal problems, nausea, and vomiting
- Feeling shaky and sweating profusely
- Having trouble talking and walking (especially immediately after using DMT)
- The potential to cause bodily damage via risky behaviors (like driving under the influence)
Mental Side Effects of DMT Addiction
DMT has many negative mental side effects. The following are just a few of those side effects:
- Having trouble putting thoughts together (cognitive issues)
- Trouble communicating one’s thoughts
- Dangers to brain development, especially for younger people
- Engaging in uncharacteristic risky behaviors
- Short-term and long-term memory issues
- Acquiring other comorbidities of mental illness
Emotional Side Effects of DMT Addiction
Many emotional side effects also come with DMT addiction. The following are some of those emotional side effects:
- Feeling anxious, nervous, and stressed out
- Feeling depressed (especially when not using DMT)
- Exhibiting emotional mood swings
- Co-using alcohol and other substances to cope with the emotional hangover of DMT
Social and Familial Side Effects of DMT Addiction
Some aspects of DMT use that are often overlooked are the social and familial ramifications. The following are just a few social side effects of DMT:
- Struggling at work or school
- Having trouble with relationships at home
- Isolating away from friends and family
- Losing interest in once-enjoyed social activities
- Getting in legal and economic trouble
Spiritual Side Effects of DMT Addiction
As with many other types of substance and behavioral addictions, DMT addiction can also take a spiritual toll. The following are just a few spiritual side effects of DMT addiction:
- Not knowing what one is doing with their life (feeling excessively regretful)
- Losing interest in one’s faith-life
- Feeling hopeless and empty
- Lacking any goals in life
- Losing interest in what else life may have to offer (“shutting off” oneself)
- Not caring what happens to oneself
These side effects (from the physical to the spiritual) can take all of the zest out of life. The good news is there is treatment, and there is hope.
Our Primary Purpose at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, our primary purpose is to help anyone recover from the cunning, baffling, and powerful nature of addiction. This includes the damaging addiction to DMT.
DMT addiction does not have to be the end. There is a solution. There is hope. Recovery is just around the corner. We can help.
DMT can have many long-term side effects, including changes in brain chemistry, which is especially dangerous for teens whose brains are still developing. DMT can also lead to emotional changes and, many argue, physical dependence. It can also have social ramifications, including ones at home, school, and work. 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 go through this alone. For more information about DMT addiction and the many treatment options, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
