DMT is a hallucinogenic tryptamine drug that occurs naturally in various plants, such as Psychotria viridis or Chacruna. Some people call it the “spirit molecule” due to the intense psychedelic experience.
FAST FACTS ON DMT
Here are some key points about DMT. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
- People have used DMT, often in religious rituals, for thousands of years.
- Use of the drug as part of shamanic rituals is common in South America.
- Side effects include powerful hallucinations.
- Due to the nature of the drug, some people call DMT the “spirit molecule.”
Side effects
The main effect of DMT is psychological, with intense visual and auditory hallucinations, euphoria, and an altered sense of space, body, and time.
Many users describeTrusted Source profound, life changing experiences such as visiting other worlds, talking with alien entities known as “DMT elves” or “machine elves,” and total shifts in the perception of identity and reality.
When smoked, DMT produces brief yet intense visual and auditory hallucinations that some users describe as an alternate reality, otherworldly, or a near-death experience.
DMT users frequently claim that it has fewer side effects than other psychedelic drugs, but this is a difficult claim to measure and quantify.
Possible side effects of DMT include:
- increased heart rate
- increased blood pressure
- chest pain or tightness
- agitation
- dilated pupils
- rapid rhythmic movements of the eye
- dizziness
Harm reduction
Because DMT is illegal, it can be difficult to get reliable information about its use and safety. Doctors will likely discourage using it and may not know much about mitigating the risk. Some harm reduction strategies include:
- using DMT under the guidance of an experienced user or practitioner
- starting with a very small dose and only increasing the dose based on the response
- not using DMT with any other drugs or medication
- not using DMT if a person has a history of serious mental health issues, especially psychosis or dissociation
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