DMT
DMT or dimethyltryptamine is a powerful, naturally occurring compound sourced for recreational use from various trees and plants. It is also created in the human body when the tryptamine enzyme and the neurotransmitter serotonin is metabolized. In essence, the drug is an extremely common alkaloid that is not only produced in nature but also stored in our pineal gland. Interestingly, Doctor Richard Strassman, one of the first known psychologists to study the effects of DMT discovered that this potent substance is released during the 49th day of fetus development and again by the pineal gland just before death.
When synthetized, DMT is a white crystalized powder with a strong odor. However, when purchased from street dealers it appears as a thick sludgy or gummy liquid with a greenish, yellow or light brown color. The color of the drug is determined by how much processing it undergoes. The more extensive the process, the clearer and more crystalized the substance becomes.
How DMT is Used?
The use of this drug has been associated with rituals and ceremonies for centuries. Although smoking DMT through a glass or metal pipe seems to be the primary and preferred method of experiencing the effects of this drug, the powder can also be snorted or eaten.
For some ethnic rituals, the drug is prepared by combining the plant material containing the compound with a special chemical known as a monoamine oxide inhibitor. This combination allows the drug to avoid digestion by the stomach so that it can go directly into the bloodstream.
This short acting drug is said to be so potent that it delivers an almost immediate psychedelic experience when it is smoked. These effects peak around five minutes after smoking. They last for approximately 15 minutes after which the user experiences a cruise period. When eaten, studies show the effect beginning after 2-5 minutes. Peak experience occurs 15 minutes after smoking and the cruising period can last for an hour or more. Eating the raw leaves of a plant containing DMT however, does not release any short or long term effects of the drug.
Drug Classification
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has placed DMT (dimethyltryptamine) in their Schedule I Controlled substance category. A Schedule I classification as described by the FDA means that:
- DMT has a high potential for abuse
- There are no accepted medicinal benefits for treatment in the United States
- It is an unsafe substance to use even with medical supervision
FDA Data also show that due to the potency of the drug, the onset of the effects are immediate when smoked. As such this drug cannot be legally prescribed for use by a physician in the United States. This drug is also subject to production quotas by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Popular street names for DMT include:
- 45 Minute Psychosis
- Businessman’s LSD
- Businessman’s Special
- Businessman’s Trip
- Fantasia
Dangers of DMT Use
DMT has the potential for increased tolerance levels if the drug is consumed on a regular basis. The psychological effects of the drug are mostly unpredictable. In some cases, this drug has been shown to cause impaired judgment that have led to accidents. Users have also reported frightening and horrific hallucinations and flashbacks of these experiences even when they are not using the drug.
According to the National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health over 1.3 million people between the ages of 12 and older reported using DMT within a 12 month period. DMT use also has a direct impact on the body’s auditory, visual and sensory perceptions. When the drug wears off however, the following adverse effects have been experienced by users:
- Blurred vision
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Delusions and Paranoia
- Extreme emotional imbalance
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches
- Vomiting
The most dangerous aspect of using this drug is that users can become unconscious or experience a drug induced coma. Choking deaths have been known to occur when the user becomes unconscious and begin to vomit uncontrollably.
History of DMT
DMT has a long and colorful history. A South American puma bone pipe dating as far back as 2130 BC tested positive for the drug. Evidence show that it was also commonly used during shamanic rituals known as Ayhuasca.
Between 1916 and 1993, many scientific studies led by American Chemists were conducted on this compound. In 1955 the drug was discovered in three mammalian species, four animal species and at least fifty plant species. Later, in 1957, two American Chemists identified DMT in the leaves of a plant they named Prestonia Amazonicum an aqueous extract. Further evidence of this finding was produced in 1965 by French pharmacologist, Jacques Poisson who was able to isolate DMT from the leaves of the Diploterys Cabrerana vine provided Aguaruna Indians
Today use of DMT is increasing. It is primarily sought after for its powerful psychedelic promises by both long term DMT users and young adults.
Treatment for DMT
Drug Rehab Centers provide a customized, comprehensive treatment program that incorporates both traditional and holistic evidence-based protocols to achieve recovery. Call us today at 877-855-3470 if you or someone you know have become hooked on the use of DMT. Our compassionate call counselors can help you find the treatment program that is right for you.