Understanding the Risks of DMT

The more serious and long-lasting risks of DMT use and abuse include:

• A complete loss of coordination, which can result in serious physical injury
• A severe level of confusion, which can be dangerous if an individual attempts to engage in day-to-day activities while intoxicated
• Seizures
• Coma
• Respiratory arrest
• Psychosis (psychosis is more likely to occur in individuals who have previously diagnosed mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia)
• Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) – This is a condition that results from repeated hallucinogen use, and results in disruptive and unwanted visual effects that are likely to crop up even when the individual in question is completely sober. He or she might see bright lights that are not really there and do not fade away and distorted colors or sizes. These symptoms can be extremely unsettling and can greatly disrupt daily life.
• Serotonin syndrome disorder (SSD) – This issue occurs when too much serotonin builds up within the brain. Serotonin typically helps regulate several basic bodily functions, including breathing, blood flow, mood and body temperature. There are a wide range of symptoms that go hand-in-hand with SSD, including (but not limited to): anxiety, irritability, confusion and disorientation, tremors, muscle spasms, nausea, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure.

Can DMT Be Abused?

According to a study published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and titled, “How Do Hallucinogens (LSD, Psilocybin, Peyote, DMT, and Ayahuasca) Affect the Brain and Body?,” psychedelic drugs like DMT can be psychologically addictive – however, they tend to be significantly less physically addictive than many other illicit chemical substances. The study suggests that other than addiction, the long-term effects of repeated use are not thoroughly researched or understood. “Long-term effects of DMT use and abuse and addiction liability are currently unknown. Unlike most other hallucinogens, DMT does not appear to induce tolerance,” the study concludes. Another article titled, “Dimethyltryptamine (DMT): Prevalence, user characteristics and abuse liability in a large global sample,” this one published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, suggests that those who have a pleasant “trip” the first time they use DMT typically reported a strong desire to use more.

If you have been abusing a hallucinogenic drug like DMT, you are not alone. Seeking professional addiction treatment is essential, however, to avoid lasting psychological and physical damage.

Guardian Recovery – Comprehensive Recovery

At Guardian Recovery we offer a thorough and individualized multi-phased continuum of clinical care, serving men and women of all ages in Colorado, Florida, New Jersey and Maine as well as all surrounding areas. We sincerely believe that recovery is possible for all those who seek it. We also believe that quality clinical care should be readily available to all those who need it. For this reason, we have carefully developed an admissions process that makes the process of seeking treatment accessible and uncomplicated. Simply give us a call and our Admissions Counselors will walk you through a brief pre-assessment over the phone. This helps us gain insight into your personal background while helping us determine which level of clinical care is the most appropriate for you personally. Once the pre-assessment is complete we offer a free, no obligation insurance benefit check. Guardian Recovery works very closely with most major insurance companies, ensuring that those who are insured have immediate access to the treatment they so desperately need. If you are underinsured or uninsured, we have various alternative methods of coverage that we will gladly help you navigate. Our main priority is ensuring that you obtain the care you deserve.