Is DMT Addictive?

Summary:

This article explores whether DMT is addictive and what the current clinical trials are related to DMT-assisted therapy.

Traditional antidepressants work on the brain by interacting with serotonin levels. Overcoming addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders can have varying timelines for each client, with or without these medications.

Research suggests that depression is often associated with low levels of serotonin production in deeper areas of the brain. Traditional medication used in conjunction with comprehensive treatment programs for addiction and mental health doesn’t access those parts of the brain that might not have correct blood flow or be functioning the way they should, but it instead keeps serotonin levels from being reabsorbed as quickly, so that the resting rates of active serotonin remain higher.

For this reason, alternatives in the field of psychedelic hallucinogens have been studied as an alternative treatment for things like depression, addiction, and PTSD. One such alternative is DMT. DMT-assisted therapy is a psychedelic experience that allows individuals to utilize a psychedelic vapor under clinical supervision to help stimulate receptors that increase neuroplasticity, disrupting old thought patterns and increasing an individual’s ability to form new thought patterns.

Is DMT Addictive?

There is no evidence of DMT being addictive, and in fact, it shows great promise in clinical trials for potential medical use with faster results than even other psychedelic treatments such as LSD or psilocybin.

DMT works as a psychedelic, which means it induces short-term hallucinations. Some clinical trials have reported near-death experiences or trips to another plane of existence, but many clients have noted that they see guides or benevolent entities helping them through these experiences. In a minority of cases, people experienced somewhat frightening hallucinations but the majority of clients in controlled studies have reported that DMT helps to break through ingrained thought patterns and see things from new perspectives that were unattainable in traditional talk therapy, making individuals more receptive to successful restructuring.

Preliminary research has shown that it’s well-tolerated with no serious side effects and long-term success lasting several months after individual sessions.

DMT Therapy: The Legal Complications

At present, though, it still remains a Schedule 1 controlled substance and can only be studied by researchers subject to DEA and FDA rules. This means that individuals cannot receive this form of treatment outside of approved clinical trials. Right now, esketamine remains the only psychedelic treatment available for major depressive disorder, and things like cognitive behavioral therapy continue to offer opportunities for reframing negative thoughts and building new thought patterns in a similar fashion to what psychedelics aim to produce.

Finding Treatment for Addiction with East Coast Recovery

While DMT is not currently available as a form of assisted treatment except through clinical trials, other forms of treatment, including traditional talk therapy, medication management, and holistic therapies, remain accessible for addiction treatment and mental health treatment.

At East Coast Recovery, we offer several outpatient programs for executives, busy professionals, and anyone else in need, with full- or partial-day programs designed to provide multiple levels of care.

Contact our team today to learn more about our flexible outpatient programs.

FAQ

Is DMT Addictive?

No, as of right now, no scientific evidence suggests that DMT is addictive like opioids or alcohol. When an individual stops using it, it does not produce the same type of physical withdrawal syndrome that is commonly associated with other drugs or alcohol.

How is DMT Used for Treatment?

DMT is currently classified as Schedule 1 under the Controlled Substances Act, which means that there is no medically accepted use and a high potential for abuse despite the lack of any evidence pertaining to a physical dependence. That said, DMT-assisted therapy is a form of psychedelic therapy under the supervision of a therapist using DMT administered in a controlled environment, often through a vape pen. This is only offered through approved clinical facilities and is thought to be helpful in dealing with severe depression, addiction, and PTSD. DMT is considered a faster and more effective alternative to other psychedelic hallucinogens that are studied for similar therapeutic purposes, because it typically takes around 30 minutes to go into effect, as compared to the average of 8 hours for things like LSD or psilocybin.

Can I Become Psychologically Addicted to DMT?

Psychological addiction or psychological dependence can happen with any substance, including DMT. This tends to happen when an individual seeks a regular breakthrough experience or spiritual insight, leading them to use a substance repeatedly. While there may not be a physical dependence on that substance, individuals might find themselves drawn to its use on a regular and sometimes harmful basis to try to replicate experiences or feelings.

Does DMT Cause Tolerance?

DMT does not typically produce any type of physical tolerance unlike other hallucinogens. However, some studies suggest that those who use it frequently or heavily might experience what’s called a behavioral reinforcement, where they feel the need to use it more regularly or in higher doses in order to reach the same effects.

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Stopping DMT Use?

DMT is not habit-forming like other drugs; it doesn’t have physical withdrawal symptoms for those who stop using it. That said, sometimes people experience psychological symptoms when they stop using it, like sleep disruptions or feeling blunted emotions.

What Are the Signs of DMT Misuse?

There are several behaviors that can indicate a person is experiencing a problematic pattern when it comes to DMT use. The most common include using it as a way to escape reality, becoming preoccupied with using DMT or acquiring more DMT, as well as neglecting any professional or personal obligations as a result of DMT use.

Can DMT Be Used to Treat Other Addictions?

Some research has explored the use of DMT as a form of treatment for substance use disorders, specifically in terms of reversing depressed serotonin levels and helping to break through entrenched thought patterns. Insights indicate that it might be used to help people confront trauma, grief, and shame, all of which are some of the most common emotional causes of addiction. However, in the United States, it is only administered through specific, approved clinical trials.