Most hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM) cause sensory distortion;  depersonalization at high doses.  At least one (N, N-Diisopropyltryptamine, DiPT) causes auditory distortions, whereas some compounds such as DMT (found in ayahuasca), psilocybin (mushrooms), or mescaline (peyote) cause episodic visual effects.  [2]

DMT Street Names

Several slang terms refer to DMT:

• Dimitri
• Businessman’s Trip
• Businessman’s Special
• Fantasia
• Forty-Five-Minute Psychosis

DMT Drug Effects and Health Risks

The primary effect of DMT is psychological, with intense visual and auditory hallucinations, euphoria, and an altered sense of space, body, and time.

Many users report intense, life-changing encounters such as visiting other worlds, communicating with alien creatures known as “DMT elves” or “machine elves,” and inclusive shifts in the perception of identity and reality.

When smoked, DMT produces short yet intense visual and auditory hallucinations that have been defined by users as an alternate reality, metaphysical, or a near-death experience.

Compared to other psychedelic drugs, such as LSD, ketamine, and magic mushrooms, recreational users of DMT consider it to have the lowest side effects.

Possible Side Effects of DMT

Depending on the individual user, the DMT experience can reach from intensely exciting to overwhelmingly terrifying.  Unfortunately, the experience can be so overpowering that users may have trouble processing and integrating the “trip” into real life.

Mental side effects may remain for many days or weeks after ingestion of the drug.

DMT is structurally linked to the neurotransmitter serotonin and, because of this, a condition called serotonin syndrome that is potentially lethal is associated with its use.  People taking antidepressants are at the highest risk for this complication.

Serotonin syndrome happens when the body gains an excessive amount of serotonin.  The condition is often harmful or intense by taking a combination of various drugs.

Too Much Serotonin Effects

DMT could have severe unfavorable consequences for users with pre-existing psychological problems or a mental illness, such as schizophrenia.

Due to limited research data, DMT is not known to cause physical dependence or addiction, although regular recreational users may develop psychological cravings for the drug.  The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recommends that DMT use does not seem to urge tolerance of the drug, unlike other hallucinogens.

Although it is not acknowledged as an addictive substance, DMT has several health risks and can produce terrifying hallucinations and psychological dependency.

DMT Experiences

These DMT experiences can include:

Individuals who have similar DMT experiences but are not under the influence of drugs or do not have some neurological problems, such as a head injury or stroke, would often be classified as having some psychotic disorder if they constantly have these experiences or beliefs.  On the other hand, hallucinogenic drugs description is often “mind expanding” drugs for individuals who use them but are not without corresponding dangers. To clarify, using this drug has never been safe to use as it can cause harmful events because of one’s detachment from reality.

DMT Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

Although experts such as SAMHSA report that many individuals who abuse hallucinogens typically discontinue using DMT drugs independently without formal treatment, the development of any substance use disorder represents a potentially serious mental health disorder.  Therefore, individuals with moderate to severe substance use disorders often need professional treatment.  Typically, individuals who have developed a substance use disorder need rehab assistance and interventions to help them function normally without using drugs or alcohol.

DMT Drug Addiction

While DMT does not produce physical dependence, some individuals may abuse the drug to the point that they experience various complications, may it be physically or mentally.  This may be particularly true in cases of polysubstance abuse, where the user is combining DMT with other psychoactive drugs.  A pattern of problematic hallucinogen use that causes significant problems or distress is “other hallucinogen use disorder.”  Symptoms include:

• Taking more DMT than intended
• Unsuccessfully attempting to control or stop DMT use
• Exhausting a lot of time and energy in obtaining and using DMT or recovering from its effects
• Craving DMT
• Ignoring personal responsibilities in favor of using DMT
• Continuing to use DMT despite mounting adverse interpersonal, social, or physical/mental health problems
• Discarding previously enjoyed habits or hobbies to use DMT

DMT Drug Addiction Treatment

Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of DMT addiction.  However, those struggling with addiction to DMT can seek effective behavioral therapies to help them manage their drug use and find sobriety.  Some common forms of behavioral therapy and treatment that may help someone fighting with DMT abuse include:

If you or someone you love is seeking a safe, secure, and compassionate resource for DMT drug addiction treatment, We Level Up New Jersey is here for you.  Don’t hesitate to contact us to speak with an addiction counselor today about our levels of care.