Many people have become desensitized to the dangerous effects of certain substances. This is especially true when it comes to substances with psychedelic properties like DMT. There are many reasons for this, one of which is that many popular platforms, like podcasts, promote DMT as harmless. They fail to ask the question, “How dangerous is DMT?” If they did, they would discover that it can be very dangerous. It can also be highly addictive.
How Dangerous Is DMT?
Many people don’t realize just how dangerous DMT can be. One, it can cause serious psychological distress to the user. Two, it can be addictive and lead to disruptive behaviors for both the individual and the family. Three, it can lead to something known as serotonin syndrome.
Serotonin syndrome can be highly dangerous. According to the peer-reviewed journal Canadian Family Physician, “Mild symptoms, which include nervousness, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, tremor, and dilated pupils, can progress to moderate symptoms such as hyperreflexia (increased reflexes), sweating, agitation, restlessness, clonus (rhythmic muscle spasms), and ocular clonus (side-to-side eye movements). Patients with severe symptoms should be referred to the hospital immediately; severe symptoms include a temperature greater than 38.5°C (101.3°F), confusion, delirium, sustained clonus or rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis.”
There are also external factors that make DMT highly dangerous. This includes the potential for discombobulation and falls, as well as dangers associated with driving under the influence. Also, when mixed with other substances like cannabis and alcohol, the likelihood of overdose and overdose death goes up dramatically.
What Exactly Is DMT?
The reality is that DMT is a much lesser-known illicit substance, though it is becoming more and more popular. So, what exactly is DMT?
According to the peer-reviewed journal Brain Research Bulletin, “N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an indole alkaloid widely found in plants and animals. It is best known for producing brief and intense psychedelic effects when ingested. Increasing evidence suggests that endogenous DMT plays important roles for a number of processes in the periphery and central nervous system, and may act as a neurotransmitter.” DMT has also been around longer than many people may think.
While DMT research started scientifically, it is now widely used illicitly and harmfully. According to Frontiers in Neuroscience, “In 1946, the microbiologist Oswaldo Gonçalves de Lima discovered DMT’s natural occurrence in plants. DMT’s hallucinogenic properties were not discovered until 1956, when Stephen Szara, a pioneering Hungarian chemist and psychiatrist, extracted DMT from the Mimosa hostilis plant and administered the extract to himself intramuscularly. This sequence of events formed the link between modern science and the historical use of many DMT-containing plants as a cultural and religious ritual sacrament, their effect on the psyche, and the chemical structure of N, N-dimethyltryptamine.”
The Signs and Symptoms of DMT Use and Addiction
The reality is that the immediate effects of DMT can be rather short-lived, such as audible and visual hallucinations, but there are also many long-lasting signs and symptoms of prolonged DMT use. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Isolating away from loved ones
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Feeling depressed and anxious (especially when not using)
- Cravings for DMT
- Feeling helpless, worthless, and hopeless
- Dramatic mood swings
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Excessive headaches
- Feeling nauseous
- Blacking out
- Acting in self-harm or feelings of harming others
- Having suicidal ideations
As you can see, these can be rather serious side effects. This is why seeking professional help as soon as possible can be critical. It can mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
DMT and Mental Illness
DMT can also be highly damaging to individuals who are struggling with mental illness. It can elevate their symptoms severely.
Excessive DMT use can also lead to issues of mental illness. This is why catching excessive DMT use sooner rather than later can be so critical. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help with DMT addiction.
DMT and Recovery
As with other types of substance use disorders, DMT addiction can best be treated via a recovery plan with a foundation of evidence-based psychotherapies. These are often psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
It is also important to supplement evidence-based therapies with other modalities like nature immersion therapy, art therapy, and holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation. The key is to find the right combination of treatments that work for you and stick with them with fidelity.
Healing the Root/Core Causes of Addiction with Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in getting to the root/core causes of addiction. That is why all of our plans take a multi-angled approach and always remain individualized.
DMT addiction should not mean the end. If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then the time to recover is now. You can do this! We can help.
DMT is becoming more and more popular. However, many people don’t realize the dangers of DMT, nor know the warning signs that someone may be using DMT. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities available for treating someone who is struggling with DMT misuse and addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one may be struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get them on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about DMT and addiction recovery, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
