Hallucinogens like dimethyltryptamine (DMT), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and psilocybin—or magic mushrooms—have been around for many years and have been used as part of religious practices or recreationally to bring a person to an altered state of consciousness. Some of these drugs are even being studied to treat mental health conditions such as depression. As with any drug, it is typically unsafe to use DMT without the guidance of a medical professional. But what is DMT? Learn more about this drug, its legal status, potential for addiction, and how to tell if someone uses DMT.
If you are experiencing adverse side effects from hallucinogenic drugs, you must get professional help. Promises Brazos Valley offers a variety of addiction treatment programs, including drug detox, to help safely rid your body of substances. Call 979.426.0086 to speak with someone from our caring and compassionate team about your treatment options and schedule an intake assessment.
What Is DMT?
Dimethyltryptamine is a powerful hallucinogenic drug found naturally in certain plants and animals. It is the primary psychoactive ingredient in the plant ayahuasca, causing intense, overwhelming hallucinations that last for under an hour.
DMT is extracted, then consumed using one of the following methods:
- Snorting
- Drinking
- Smoking
- Injecting
Unlike other drugs, such as alcohol or opioids, the effects of DMT do not linger for hours. It produces a rapid high that lasts up to 45 minutes. After the brief high wears off, the person usually exhibits no symptoms of its influence. However, that does not mean it is entirely safe to use DMT.
Is DMT Legal?
Dimethyltryptamine can be addictive and dangerous. This hallucinogenic drug is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This means the drug has no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medical purpose and has a high potential for abuse or addiction.
As a Schedule I controlled substance, DMT is illegal to manufacture, distribute, buy, or possess.
Some U.S. cities have decriminalized the drug, but it is still illegal at a federal level.
Some religious groups have been granted exemptions from the Controlled Substances Act to import and consume DMT-containing ayahuasca for sacramental reasons. DMT may also be used as part of medical research that the DEA and FDA have approved. In Texas, several bills have been filed to advance research on using psychedelics, including DMT, for medical benefit.
How Can You Tell If Someone Is Using DMT?
Some people use dimethyltryptamine recreationally to escape their everyday life. If they struggle with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, they may find temporary relief from hallucinogenic drugs. People have reported having out-of-body experiences or making contact with spiritual beings when tripping on DMT. This belief that one can experience self-actualization and communicate with God or angels makes DMT a desirable component of some religious ceremonies.
Hallucinogenic drugs like DMT are not as common as alcohol or marijuana, so you may not know how to recognize if someone is under its influence. If someone is taking DMT, you may notice unusual behaviors such as:
- A sudden shift in mood
- Seeing and hearing things that are not there
- Nausea and vomiting
- Paranoia
The above signs can also indicate severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia, so it is vital to get the person immediate medical attention. DMT has been known to trigger schizophrenia in people with a family history of this condition. Combining schizophrenia with DMT can put one at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts alongside severe paranoia and hallucinations.
Find DMT Addiction Treatment in Texas at Promises Brazos Valley
It can be challenging to quit using dimethyltryptamine on your own without the proper support. But with the evidence-based treatment programs at Promises Brazos Valley, you do not have to go at it alone. Contact Promises Brazos Valley today at 979.426.0086 to learn more about our individualized treatment plans and how we can help you safely overcome DMT addiction.