DMT, short for N, N-Dimethyltryptamine, is a highly potent hallucinogen. It is found in South American plants or individuals make it synthetically in a lab. Also called Dmitri, people consume the drug by chewing, smoking, brewing into tea, or swallowing a pill or liquid forms. DMT is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. It is classified as a Schedule I because it has no known medical purposes. Individuals only use it recreationally. DMT addiction requires professional treatment to overcome the powerful control of this substance.
Hallucinogenic drugs produce many psychedelic effects on individuals.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that:
This substance can be hazardous to an individual’s mental health, short-term and long-term.
What are the Effects of DMT?
When the DMT disturbs the brain’s serotonin, people may experience slight changes such as mood swings, sleeping problems, loss of appetite, irregular body temperature, or unusual sexual behavior. When the drug alters the brain’s glutamate, emotional unrest, memory problems, processing information, and sensory adaptation may be changed.
Short-Term Effects
This drug produces a “trip” felt by the people consuming it. The “trip” can be described as a short period of euphoria, altered perception, hallucinations, detachment from the environment, or intense visual perceptions. Users may also experience “bad trips,” which consist of confusion, unpleasant hallucinations, loss of control, and extremely negative emotions. A trip can cause individuals to keep coming back for more.
- Irregular sleep schedule
- Unusual eating habits
- Intense emotions
- Irritability
- Increased heart rate
- Anxiety and panic
- Increased blood pressure
- Paranoia
Long-Term Effects
The main long-term effects of DMT use are persistent psychosis, flashbacks, and hallucinations even when not on the drug. These psychological disorders may make people feel like they are experiencing a “bad trip” and scare them.
- Hopelessness/anxiety
- Speech problems
- Mood swings
- Flashbacks
- Seizures/coma
- Memory loss
What does DMT do to the brain? In addition to paranoia, visual disturbances, mood swings, and having symptoms similar to neurological problems are also long-term effects of using this drug.
Can You Become Addicted to DMT?
In the final analysis, there is no evidence suggesting that DMT addiction exists. Addiction means the body needs the drug to function properly over time. Additionally, there is no evidence that people can form a tolerance, which means the body needs more and more over time to achieve the same effect. However, a psychological addiction can develop due to its effects on the individual’s mental state. Psychological addiction to DMT is classified as having a hallucinogen use disorder. Since the effects only last for 30 to 45 minutes, users may continue consuming the drug to prolong their “trips.”
How Can You Help a DMT Addict?
- Approach them — The first step in helping a DMT addict is to approach them with positive communication. Of course, being confrontational and angry only makes the problem worse. This will result in the other person resenting you, not being honest with you, or not confiding in you for help. In addition, they may avoid you altogether. Also, focus on their behaviors at first and share how concerned you are about them. Furthermore, it is important to educate yourself on addiction beforehand. By doing this, you will have some insight into what the person is experiencing.
- Family counseling — Indeed, addiction always takes a toll on the family. Family counseling helps the members sit down with one another and share their feelings. This includes frustrations, anxiety, and hopes for the future. All in all, it is crucial for the family to have open and honest communication with each other. Open communication is mandatory in order to move forward in the recovery process.
- Interventions — Intervention is defined as: “an organized confronting of a person who has a serious problem.” When a loved one has an addiction, family members may all come together and talk to the addict at once. Each member talks about their feelings with the addict and encourages them to seek help for their problem. As a matter of fact, an intervention usually ends in the addict entering an inpatient treatment facility for help.
What are the Forms of Treatment for DMT Addiction?
- Outpatient Programs — Outpatient programs are best for those who are in the addiction recovery process but want to maintain their daily lifestyle at home. These programs may encourage the individual to attend weekly support group meetings, see a counselor periodically, or go to family counseling. All in all, these programs help individuals learn how to begin living a healthy life while still in the comfort of their home environment.
- Inpatient Programs — Overall, these programs are beneficial for those who want to escape the distractions, triggers, and temptations of their environment at home. In the same way, individuals get away from their typical routines to learn about a healthy lifestyle. In other words, they learn to live a productive and sober life.
If you or someone you know is addicted to DMT, call our toll-free number today. A Forever Recovery wants to help get you started on your journey into a healthier, drug-free lifestyle. Call today to also learn about the different treatment options and resources we offer which will fit your individual needs. One of our informed representatives can answer any questions you may have about our programs and our facility. Contact us today!
- dea.gov – Controlled Substances Act
- drugabuse.gov – How Do Hallucinogens (LSD, Psilocybin, Peyote, DMT, and Ayahuasca) Affect the Brain and Body?