Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a hallucinogenic compound that occurs naturally in different plants. The human brain also produces a small amount of DMT naturally. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has listed DMT as a Schedule I drug, meaning it is not legal for general consumption. It has no known medical value. People who use DMT often consume it in ayahuasca, the psychedelic Amazonian plant concoction. While DMT is not considered addictive in the way that drugs like cocaine or heroin might be, it does come with a range of side effects. The side effects of DMT are often uncomfortable. If you or someone you know struggle with a DMT-related problem, learn more about drug detox services by calling 717.969.9126 to speak with someone from Recovery Ranch PA’s knowledgeable and experienced team.
What are the Short-Term Side Effects of DMT?
Dimethyltryptamine is quick-acting and similar to LSD or psilocybin. Some people prefer DMT to those other substances because the initial trip from DMT is much shorter, lasting 30 to 45 minutes instead of multiple hours. Beyond the hallucinogenic effects, DMT use also comes with various side effects. These DMT side effects include:
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Impaired coordination
- Nausea and vomiting
It is also possible for DMT users to experience what is referred to as a bad trip. This is when the pleasant hallucinogenic effects are absent. People on a bad trip may experience confusion, disorientation, loss of control, unpleasant auditory or visual hallucinations, the surfacing of unpleasant trauma or memories, and a fear of death.
What are the Long-Term Side Effects of DMT?
The long-term side effects of dimethyltryptamine differ from those of hard drugs like cocaine, heroin, or meth. That’s because DMT does not build tolerance from repeated uses, nor is it considered addictive. Repeatedly using DMT will not cause someone to want to compulsively use this substance or feel like they cannot function with it.
Nonetheless, long-term DMT side effects do exist and pose real dangers to a person’s health and mental well-being. The most significant risk of regular DMT is a psychological ailment. People who use DMT over a long period are at risk of developing psychosis and experiencing flashbacks and hallucinations. Symptoms related to psychosis include low mood, trouble focusing and processing information, persistent paranoia, and visual disturbances.
Addressing Disordered DMT Use
Even though dimethyltryptamine use does not cause dependence, people who develop psychosis or otherwise use it to damage their lives and health are said to have an “other hallucinogen use disorder.” Often, this is the result of someone using other drugs alongside DMT.
Addiction treatment providers like Recovery Ranch PA offer services that can benefit someone who has developed an unhealthy relationship with DMT and other substances. Like traditional addictions, behavioral therapy and support groups are the two most effective methods for addressing this issue.
Addiction treatment can also support someone with psychosis or another mental health problem stemming from DMT use. Thoroughly treating the mental health issue does require stopping and refraining from DMT use. It might be easy to think someone struggling mentally because of DMT just needs mental health treatment. But if they do not fundamentally change their relationship with DMT, the mental issues will never be treated at the root.
Find Addiction Treatment at Recovery Ranch PA
Do you need to overcome a negative relationship with dimethyltryptamine? Has using DMT caused your mental health to dip? You can find comprehensive, compassionate care at Recovery Ranch PA. Our treatment is judgment-free and client-centered. Learn more about our approach to treating other hallucinogen use disorders and psychosis by contacting Recovery Ranch PA today at 717.969.9126.
