With the increasing popularity of psychedelics like dimethyltryptamine (DMT), it is natural to want to know more about these drugs. Although DMT has been used for sacramental reasons for many years, researchers have only recently begun to study its medicinal potential. DMT shows some promise for treating depression, but more research is needed before it can be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite this, many people still experiment with DMT recreationally, which can lead to side effects ranging from mildly bothersome to severe.
Even though DMT has long been used in certain cultures as part of religious rituals, it is not necessarily safe to experiment with this psychedelic drug alone. If you or someone you know is using DMT, consider enrolling in substance abuse treatment at My 5 Palms. Call us at 1.844.675.1022 with questions about DMT addiction and ask our caring and compassionate team how we can help.
What Is DMT?
Dimethyltryptamine is a powerful psychedelic compound found in many plants and animals. It is most notably found in the Amazonian vine called ayahuasca and used in religious ceremonies by certain Indigenous cultures.
DMT is also produced naturally in the human body and brain and is believed to release during sleep and death. Researchers speculate that DMT regulates sleep cycles, particularly rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
What Is DMT Used For?
DMT has earned the nickname “the spirit molecule” due to its psychedelic qualities. Whether for recreational or religious purposes, people use DMT to:
- Induce hallucinations similar to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin—the active ingredient in magic mushrooms
- Experience intense euphoria
- Have an out-of-body experience
- Attempt to communicate with other entities, such as angels or aliens
While some people find the above sensations to be pleasant or exhilarating, others may have what is known as a bad trip. The things they see, hear or feel while high on DMT may be scary or overwhelming. The drug affects everyone differently, so knowing whether you will have a good or bad trip on DMT is difficult.
How Do People Use DMT?
DMT can be used in several ways:
- Injected
- Smoked
- Snorted
- Vaporized
The most well-known preparation of DMT is the shamanic formula from the Amazon called ayahuasca, which lasts up to twelve hours and requires much preparation. When smoked or vaped using a conventional pipe or bong, DMT trips are powerful but short-lived.
What Does DMT Look Like?
DMT usually comes as a white crystalline powder, but it can sometimes be yellowish or pink. The former is DMT in its pure form, while the latter is not pure DMT.
DMT will appear as a reddish or brownish liquid when used as ayahuasca.
Is DMT Legal?
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified DMT as a Schedule I controlled substance. Schedule I drugs have no approved medical purpose and a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Buying, selling, or possessing DMT in the United States is illegal. However, exemptions are made for religious groups using ayahuasca as part of their ceremonies.
Is DMT Safe to Use?
The safety of DMT use is somewhat controversial, but there is not currently enough research to determine its long-term mental and physical effects. Remember that you can have a bad trip on DMT, involving intense and overwhelming hallucinations. Some people may struggle with psychological consequences from DMT, resulting in anxiety, paranoia, and even schizophrenia.
Find DMT Addiction Treatment in Florida at My 5 Palms
If you are experiencing adverse effects from dimethyltryptamine but cannot stop using the drug, My 5 Palms can help you regain control. Our addiction treatment programs are customized to each client’s needs for better results. Contact My 5 Palms today at 1.844.675.1022 to learn more.
