DMT, a powerful hallucinogenic drug known for its intense and short-lived effects, often raises questions about its long-term impact. Is DMT addictive? While DMT does not typically cause physical dependence, its psychological effects and potential for misuse can lead to problematic patterns of use for some individuals.
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, call us or visit our admissions page at the Retreat of Atlanta today for compassionate support and effective treatment.
What Is DMT?
DMT is a shortened version of N,N-dimethyltryptamine. It is a naturally occurring hallucinogenic substance that has been used in ritual practices in some cultures for centuries. Since the early 1930s, a synthetic (lab-created) version of DMT has also been available.
It is commonly ingested by smoking or vaporizing it, or brewing it into an ayahuasca tea and drinking it. The drug may also be snorted or dissolved in a solution and injected.
The effects of DMT have been compared to what a person would experience after taking LSD or psilocybin (magic mushrooms). Unlike these drugs, which can cause a high that lasts for several hours, DMT’s effects typically subside within about 30 minutes.
Due to the brevity of its effects, some people have referred to a DMT experience as a “businessman’s trip.”
DMT use in the U.S. remains relatively rare. According to an October 2018 report in the American Journal on Addictions:
- Experts estimate that about 0.7% of the population have used DMT or a similar substance from the tryptamine category at least once in their life.
- Lifetime use of DMT or other tryptamines is higher among men (1.1%) than among women (0.3%).
- The rate of lifetime DMT/tryptamine use is significantly higer among people who have histories of using ecstasy (4.1%), LSD (7.4%), and ketamine (11.2%).
Is DMT Addictive?
Given the drug’s power, it is understandable to wonder, is DMT addictive?
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has classified DMT has a Schedule I controlled substance. This classification is reserved for drugs that the U.S. government has determined have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.”
But abuse is not the same as addiction.
People who take DMT frequently want to use it again, often in larger doses. They may also become upset if they’re not able to acquire and use the drug. Having a strong desire to use a substance, devoting large amounts of time to acquiring and using it, and becoming agitated or irritated when unable to use it can all be signs of addiction.
However, DMT use does not typically cause the physical symptoms – such as intense cravings and withdrawal – that are also characteristic of addiction.
So, is DMT addictive? The general consensus among experts is that people may develop a psychological dependence on it, but researchers have not yet found compelling evidence that the drug is addictive
What Happens When You Take DMT?
Your experience with DMT can vary depending on a host of factors, such as:
- Your age, weight, and overall health
- How much you take
- The setting in which you take it
- If you have taken the drug before
- If you are taking it in combination with other substances
In general, DMT use can elicit effects such as:
- Elevated mood, to the point of euphoria
- Auditory and visual hallucinations
- Distorted perceptions of time and space
- Dissociation (sense of being detached from your body, mind, and/or environment)
- Enhanced sensitivity to light, sound, and touch
Not everyone who uses DMT has a pleasurable experience, though. The drug can also cause:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Anxiety, fear, and paranoia
- Belief that you are unable to move your body
- Sense that you are about to die
Is DMT Dangerous?
DMT use has been linked to a variety of physical and psychological risks, some of which can occur immediately and others which may not become evident until much later.
The physical dangers of DMT use include:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Racing heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- High body temperature
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure
The perceptual and cognitive distortions that are characteristic of DMT use can expose a person to injuries due to slips, falls, and ill-advised behaviors. If a person loses consciousness and begins to vomit, this could cause a fatal blockage of their airway.
Also, excessive DMT use can, in rare cases, lead to a potentially deadly condition called serotonin syndrome.
We already addressed some of the immediate psychological dangers of DMT use in the previous section. But even after these effects have worn off, a person may still experience:
- Flashbacks (though rare, it is possible to re-experience some of DMT’s effects long after you have taken the drug)
- Disorganized thinking and other psychotic symptoms
- Mood disturbances
- Extended periods of paranoia
The dangers of DMT use may be greatest among people who regularly take large doses of the drug. If you feel compelled to use DMT frequently, you could be putting your health – or even your life – at risk. The good news is that, with effective treatment, you can learn to manage your urges and live a much healthier life.
Find Help for DMT Abuse in Atlanta
The Retreat of Atlanta is a premier source of personalized treatment for adults whose lives have been disrupted by the compulsive abuse of DMT and other substances. We also offer dual diagnosis programming for patients whose struggles with substance abuse are accompanied by anxiety, depression, or other co-occurring mental health concerns.
Our residential rehab features an array of customizable therapies and services, including individual and group therapy, family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), yoga, meditation, and nutritional education.
To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.