Can You Overdose on DMT? Risks, Symptoms & Treatment

She continued her education at the University of Denver and earned a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. Chanel completed internships at AspenRidge during her studies and eventually joined the team as a full-time primary clinician. Some would describe it as much more powerful than LSD or mushrooms.

What is DMT Abuse: Addiction, Effects, Treatment

DMT use can be especially dangerous for people with existing heart problems or high blood pressure. The Drug Enforcement Administration also reports that DMT can cause respiratory arrest and coma. DMT first became widely popular in the 1960s and was quickly classified as a Schedule I drug because of its high potential for misuse and potential psychological dependence. If you are trying to end your use of DMT or any other substance, Windward Way Recovery can help. Our team of caring professionals can put you on a personalized treatment path that will help you discover a brighter future. We offer a variety of programs, including in-patient, out-patient, and partial hospitalization.

• Other long-term effects of DMT include depersonalization, auditory hallucinations, and an altered sense of body image.
• When preparing ayahuasca or other oral forms, the concentrations can vary significantly based on the plants, brewing process, and presence of MAOIs.
• You can get caught in a cycle of having strong urges to use DMT, feeling guilty about using and trying to quit which only leads to even stronger cravings.
• Among the drug’s victims was Kyle Nolan, an 18-year-old California man who traveled to the jungles of Peru in 2012 to participate in an ayahuasca retreat.
• Using the drug without the proper guidance can prove to be dangerous.
• Unlike alcohol, cocaine, or heroin, DMT does not lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
• DMT can also lead to certain informal withdrawal symptoms, like depression, anxiety, apathy, fatigue, irritability, and agitation.

You have probably heard of DMT due to its potent and intense psychedelic experiences that are often referred to as trips. Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a hallucinogenic drug that occurs naturally in plants, animals, and even humans. Because it is a psychedelic, it can affect your senses, thinking, understanding of time, and emotions. It is considered to be one of the most potent hallucinogens out there.

• Some users melt it into a liquid form to inject it into their veins.
• Someone overdosing on DMT may experience debilitating panic or anxiety attacks that are outside the realm of standard anxiety.
• The drug is illegal to purchase or possess and is often encountered as an illicit drug when illegally purchased or manufactured.
• Even within the Supreme Court of the U.S., they are allowing the Beneficent Spiritist Center União do Vegetal to continue using ayahuasca in their spiritual practices.
• In an emergency, your trip sitter needs to be able to call 911 or get you medical help.
• Admissions navigators are available 24/7 to discuss the various levels of addiction treatment offered, rehab payment options, and check if your health insurance covers rehab.

Professional Medical Intervention

A common theory about why DMT is in the body is that we release a large dose of it when we die. Of those cases, 28 people required the insertion of a breathing tube and artificial ventilation. Four went into cardiac arrest, seven stopped breathing and 12 had a seizure. The authors of the report concluded that while ayahuasca is generally reported to be safe and well tolerated, serious and life threatening effects are possible. After consuming the psychedelic brew, most people begin vomiting, and some have diarrhea. Other factors may contribute to a bad trip such as DMT interacting negatively with other medications you may be currently taking.

Is it possible to overdose?

DMT can interact with other substances in complex and unpredictable ways, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Combining DMT with other hallucinogenic drugs, such as LSD or psilocybin, can amplify the intensity of the experience, potentially leading to a bad trip or other negative outcomes. DMT (N, N-dimethyltryptamine) is a psychedelic drug with short-lived hallucinogenic effects. It is commonly used in traditional ceremonies, particularly those using ayahuasca, a plant that contains DMT and is drunk as a tea. Taking large doses of DMT can result in intense or unpleasant effects, though these typically don’t lead to overdose or death.

Short-Term Effects

Originally from Nashville, TN, Jordan moved to Colorado with her family at age five. She has worked in behavioral health since graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 2019. Jordan developed her clinical approach in various inpatient, hospital, outpatient, and private practice settings. Jordan continued her studies and earned a master’s in clinical and mental health counseling.

DMT is a hallucinogenic tryptamine drug that acts on serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. It is typically either smoked or injected and causes an intense but short-lived “trip” lasting anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. Tolerance to psychedelics, including DMT, can build quickly when used repeatedly over short periods. When tolerance develops, the individual may be tempted to increase the dose to achieve the same effects. This escalation can lead to potential overdose scenarios or dangerous behaviors under the influence. Some individuals who experiment with hallucinogens like DMT can develop a chronic condition.

It seems that there is little proof found that DMT is dangerous when taken maturely and responsibly. When a trip isn’t guided by an experienced spiritual representative, higher doses cause greater risks. DMT’s drug effects can vary from person to person so it’s crucial to understand its risks when taken. Common adverse effects include bad trips, serotonin syndrome and dependence.

An individual’s weight and body compensation can influence how the drug will affect them. The altered perception of DMT begins with colors, which appear much more intense than they usually do. Those taking DMT also can u od on dmt experience exaggerated sensations upon physical touch.

Can You Overdose on DMT? What Are the Associated Health Risks?

The intensity of these emotions can be overwhelming, and in some cases, users may experience a sense of detachment from their physical body, which can be both fascinating and unsettling. The drug is illegal to purchase or possess and is often encountered as an illicit drug when illegally purchased or manufactured. Despite its legal status, DMT continues to be used by individuals seeking transformative experiences, often without understanding the full scope of potential dangers.

She holds a master’s in clinical psychology with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy. Additionally, she has a master’s in holistic wellness and is trained in EMDR therapy for both in-person and virtual settings. Kathleen has more than 15 years of experience treating people who have a substance use disorder.

Many people who habitually use DMT find that they need to use larger amounts over time to feel the desired effects. Don’t let the devastating effects of DMT misuse go on for another day. If you or someone you love is struggling with drug use and ready to start the treatment admissions process, call us today at .