A growing interest in N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) has led to questions about whether you can overdose on it. Unfortunately, many people think that DMT is safe because it is derived from a plant. Like many other plant-derived substances, DMT poses several health risks. Promises offers addiction treatment programs to help with DMT misuse.
Call Promises at 844.875.5609 to learn more about DMT today.
What Is DMT?
DMT is a Schedule I controlled substance in the U.S. It is illegal for recreational use. DMT is a naturally derived substance that is combined with other plants to produce a compound known as ayahuasca. Ayahuasca is used in South American cultures to produce visions and enhance spiritual ceremonies.
In its natural form, DMT is smoked, used as snuff, and brewed into tea. DMT is also available in a synthetic form. The synthesized white powder is usually vaporized or smoked, though some people inject or snort it. When ingested, DMT causes a psychedelic effect that some describe as an out-of-body experience.
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. DMT has no known medical uses.
A growing interest in ayahuasca use has led to questions such as, “Can you overdose on DMT?”
Side Effects of DMT
There are both short-term and long-term side effects of DMT that can endanger your health. Each person reacts differently to the substance. An individual’s weight and body compensation can influence how the drug will affect them.
Some of the short-term side effects include:
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Auditory distortion
- Paranoia or fear
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.
Other Important Considerations for DMT Use
Individuals diagnosed with anxiety should be aware that DMT can intensify anxiety symptoms. The effects of the drug can be similar to having a panic attack.
There is not yet a large body of research on the long-term effects of DMT. However, hallucinogenic drugs, in general, are associated with hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder and persistent psychosis.
The possibility of experiencing a “bad trip” is another consideration. A bad trip is defined as having intense, frightening hallucinations. These hallucinations can be extremely realistic and may cause a person to take unsafe actions.
Individuals may harm themselves or others while trying to escape the hallucinations. The lingering effects of a negative experience can last for several days after taking the substance.
There is no way to predict whether a person will have a negative or positive experience. Individuals with a history of mental health conditions have a higher risk of a bad experience. You can have a negative experience with any hallucinogen, whether it is your first exposure or your 100th time using the substance.
Is a DMT Overdose Possible?
Can you overdose on DMT? Overdosing on hallucinogens is rare but possible. Both cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest from using DMT have been reported. Without immediate medical help, these conditions can be fatal. The warning signs of an overdose can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
- Loss of consciousness
If you or someone else experiences any of the symptoms of DMT overdose, it is important to seek medical help immediately.
Begin DMT Rehab at Promises’ Addiction Treatment Program
If you or someone you care about is experimenting with DMT, it does not mean they have an addiction to the substance. However, experimentation with any substance can lead to developing a substance use disorder.
The compassionate team at Promises provides a range of effective treatment plans for substance use disorders customized to suit your particular needs. To learn more about DMT or to start your recovery journey, call Promises at 844.875.5609 today.