DMT Effects, Risks, and Rehab Treatment

N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occurring indole alkaloid capable of eliciting powerful visual hallucinations when high doses are ingested. DMT is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States and is often used recreationally for its short-term psychedelic effects.^1,2,3 DMT is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States and is often used recreationally for its short-term psychedelic effects.⁴

From 2007–2014, data showed a liner increase in the prevalence of recreational use of DMT and other tryptamine compounds, more than tripling in that time frame.⁵ At that time, more than 1% of males in the United States were estimated to be current users of DMT or other tryptamines, with speculation that the popular use of such drugs was likely to continue growing.⁵

DMT, like other hallucinogen drugs, holds the potential for problematic misuse and related health risks. This page will explore what DMT is, DMT drug effects, and whether DMT is addictive.

What is DMT?

DMT is a hallucinogenic substance found naturally in some plants and at varying levels in the human body.² Though plant-derived DMT may be used for its hallucinogenic properties, a synthetic form of the drug, often found as a whitish crystalline powder, can be illicitly manufactured in a lab.³

DMT is known for the brief and intense psychedelic effects it produces when people consume it.¹ When used recreationally, people typically smoke or take it orally. However, there are also reports of it being injected intramuscularly or intravenously.^2,4 Ayahuasca is a traditional tea brewed from DMT-containing plants that provides a common route of DMT consumption.³

DMT is very fast acting and capable of producing relatively intense but short-lived psychedelic experiences in comparison to many other hallucinogens.³ These properties tend to make it particularly attractive to people who want a hallucinogenic experience but do not wish to have the prolonged experience that LSD and some other hallucinogens produce.³

Among all substances, DMT and other tryptamine use remains relatively rare.³ However, people who use DMT and other tryptamines seldom limit their drug use to just these substances. Studies showed that only 0.04% of people using DMT and other tryptamine compounds have not used other drugs in their lifetime.⁴ In other words, most people who use DMT and other tryptamine compounds have used other substances at some point in their lives.

Effects of DMT

DMT’s effects are thought to at least partially be due to its interaction with a certain subset of serotonin receptors (5HT2A) throughout the brain.^2,5 Like other classic hallucinogens—such as LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin—DMT-related changes in serotonergic chemical signaling may alter brain regulated processes including:²

• Mood.
• Sensory perception.
• Sleep.
• Appetite.
• Body temperature.
• Sexual drive.
• Digestive tract control.

Other potential short-term DMT effects include:^4,6

• Dilated pupils.
• Increased heart rate.
• High blood pressure.
• Dizziness.
• Lack of coordination.
• Agitation.
• Seizures.

Effects specific to ayahuasca include:⁶

• Increased blood pressure.
• Severe vomiting.

When consumed by smoking or injection, people often feel the effects of DMT quickly–anywhere from a few seconds to minutes.² Effects tend to last 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the amount of DMT someone consumes and the method in which they consume it.²

Hallucinations associated with DMT use often consist of extremely altered environments and distortions of body and space.⁶ Ayahuasca is known for producing altered states of awareness and a sense of heavenly or otherworldly images.⁶

By nature, hallucinations are difficult to predict, and individuals may engage in extreme or potentially dangerous activities while under the influence of any hallucinogen, including DMT.³

It’s also important to note that long-term, repeated use of hallucinogens may be associated with the development of a hallucinogen use disorder, a type of substance use disorder.²

DMT Addiction

The addiction liability of a drug like DMT continues to be the source of some debate. At this point, it is unknown whether DMT is associated with compulsive misuse or otherwise addictive.³ This includes use of DMT as ayahuasca.³ Unlike LSD, DMT doesn’t appear to be associated with significant tolerance with repeated use. Like several other classic hallucinogens, however, DMT does not appear to lead to physical dependence or withdrawal syndrome. Further studies are required to draw any conclusions on the misuse or addiction potential of DMT alone.³

Though a picture of addiction might not be as clear cut as it is with certain other substances such as alcohol, opioids, and stimulants, the problematic use of any hallucinogen substance could potentially result in substance use disorder development. Also, because people who use DMT are likely to engage in polysubstance use, it is possible to develop an addiction to other substances that may be used alongside of DMT.⁵

Symptoms of Hallucinogen Use Disorder/SUD

In rare instances, a person may develop an addiction to DMT. Though some common elements of many types of addiction—such as tolerance and dependence/withdrawal—appear to be absent with DMT, it is still entirely possible to develop a life-impacting substance use disorder (SUD) involving its use. A substance use disorder is diagnosed by healthcare professionals based on the presence of several criteria. As outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fifth edition) (DSM-5), signs and symptoms of a hallucinogen-related substance use disorder include:⁷

• Using the hallucinogen in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
• Being unable to cut down or control hallucinogen use despite a persistent desire to do so.
• Spending increasing amounts of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the hallucinogen.
• Having cravings or strong desires to use the hallucinogen.
• Using the hallucinogen repeatedly results in a failure to perform duties at work, school, or home.
• Continuing to use the hallucinogen despite recurrent social or personal problems caused by the effects of the substance.
• Giving up or reducing social, occupational, or recreational activities due to hallucinogen use.
• Using the hallucinogen in physically dangerous situations.
• Continuing to use the hallucinogen despite knowing it causes or worsens persistent physical or psychological problems.
• Developing tolerance or the need for increasing amounts to achieve the desired effect, or a diminished effect with the same dose (though this does not appear to be a factor with DMT use).

Long-term Effects and Dangers of DMT

There are no established long-term effects of DMT use alone, but other classic hallucinogens are in rare instances associated with both a persistent psychosis and a condition known as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD).⁶ Persistent psychosis may include visual disturbances, disorganized thoughts, paranoid thoughts and behaviors, and mood disturbances.⁶ HPPD consists of hallucinations or visual disturbances that continue long past the expected influence of the hallucinogen taken.⁶

Though rare, life-threatening effects, such as seizures and coma, have been associated with DMT use, which increases with increasing doses.⁴ It’s critical to note that someone’s actions while hallucinating are never predictable, and they may engage in any number of dangerous activities while under the influence of DMT.³ While it does require further studies to establish definitive long-term risks, DMT is not known to be completely safe either.

DMT Treatment, Detox, and Rehab

DMT is often utilized by people who engage in polysubstance use. People who use DMT may need substance use disorder treatment, especially if they engage in polysubstance use. If you or a loved one are seeking help for a substance use disorder, there are many treatment options to consider.

Treatment for substance use disorder typically begins with detox. Many treatment centers offer medically assisted detox, which provides aid by minimizing withdrawal symptoms and ensuring safety throughout the process.

After detox, a person may engage in an inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or traditional outpatient treatment program. These programs offer various levels of treatment depending on your needs. They use a variety of individual and group therapies to build coping skills and overcome the psychological factors that contribute to addiction. Though there are no medications specifically approved for managing hallucinogen-related substance use disorders, for some other substances, medications are available to combat cravings and help maintain sobriety.

Many people who struggle with polysubstance use require individualized treatment plans specific to their substance use and history. Regardless of your needs, many insurance plans cover at least a portion of substance use disorder treatment if you are diagnosed by a professional.

As with other chronic diseases, substance use disorders sometimes require diligent recovery efforts and, in some cases, lifelong management.⁷ Through treatment, many people are able to gain control over their substance use disorder so that it no longer hinders their livelihood. Relapse is a common experience along the path to recovery, but with continued treatment, people are often able to resume their lives.⁷

If you or a loved one are ready to regain control of your life and stop your substance use, reach out to American Addiction Centers (AAC) to connect with an admissions navigator, who can answer your questions, explain your options, and assist you in getting the help you need.