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A young woman with her hand on her forehead and a worried look on her face experiencing hallucinations.

What Is the Drug DMT? Here’s What You Should Know

Although less common than other hallucinogenic drugs, like magic mushrooms or LSD, DMT is an internationally listed Schedule I drug that causes rapid and intense psychedelic highs, which can include visual and auditory hallucinations.

Unlike other illegal substances, DMT is not necessarily considered addictive by its chemical makeup but is highly addictive for those hoping to chase the psychedelic highs they receive upon each use.

According to a 2012 study, nearly 9% of people surveyed have tried DMT at least once in their lifetime, while about 5% of those admitted to using it within the last year alone.

If you or someone you know is using DMT regularly, we can help you recover.

Our addiction and drug specialists at Alpine Recovery Lodge are here to assist you through each step of the healing process to get you to a more sober tomorrow with a personalized and practical approach.

Let’s dive into understanding DMT in further detail, including exactly what it is and its side effects, risks, and treatment options.

What Is DMT?

Dimethyltryptamine, or DMT for short, is an illegal hallucinogenic drug similar to LSD.

It affects the brain and body in some of the same ways as LSD by directly impacting the serotonin receptors in the brain. This imbalance in serotonin causes the brain to alter the user’s perceptions, leading to vivid and intense hallucinations.

When someone uses DMT, they may see, feel, and hear things that do not exist around them. Feelings and experiences may be intensified immensely while DMT is active in the body.

People typically consume DMT in the following three forms:

  1. vaporized or smoked in a pipe
  2. consumed orally in brews like ayahuasca
  3. snorted or injected

 

Most often referred to as DMT, it is also known as

  • dimitri
  • businessman’s trip or special
  • fantasia
  • forty-five-minute psychosis

Depending on the individual experience and unique way your body processes DMT, a person may experience feelings that range from overwhelmingly excited to intensely frightened.

Side Effects

While the primary side effect of DMT usage is hallucinations, DMT can also cause regular experiences and senses to be heightened.

Those who have used DMT report changes that include

  • intensified colors
  • heightened sounds
  • alternation to time perception

Other side effects include

  • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, especially when taken orally
  • increased heart rate
  • elevated blood pressure
  • chest pain
  • agitation
  • dilated pupils
  • rapid eye movement
  • dizziness

Risk Factors

When looking at DMT construction, it closely mimics that of naturally occurring serotonin.

Too much serotonin can lead to a range of adverse effects on the body that can become harmful, especially with consistent and regular use.

In some cases, people who take DMT may experience serotonin syndrome– a life-threatening condition

Serious complications of serotonin syndrome include

  • seizures
  • kidney failure
  • respiratory failure
  • loss of muscle tissue

Those taking antidepressants in conjunction with DMT are at an elevated risk of developing this condition.

DMT Treatment and Detox Help Near You

If you or a loved one needs rehab for hallucinogen addiction, our team at Alpine Recovery Lodge is here to help every step of the way.

If not medically managed, detox from certain substances, including DMT, can be quite uncomfortable and sometimes severe. Working with addiction specialists to help you manage your symptoms and detox in an effective manner is the best option for long-term results and sobriety.

Call 801-874-2917 and speak confidentially with our recovery experts to start your road to DMT recovery today.