DMT is a strong hallucinogenic drug that has been utilized in religious and shamanistic ways for millennia. Other related drugs like psilocybin and ayahuasca have recently been in the media for their recreational or spiritual uses. DMT, unlike other hallucinogenic drugs, has a fairly short window of effect, causing it to earn the name ‘the business trip’ during the 1960s. Although there is no evidence to suggest that DMT is physically addictive, DMT abuse can become a real problem for some people, requiring them to seek treatment from a substance abuse treatment program. Contact Greater Boston Addiction Centers today at 877.920.6583 for more information.
What Is DMT and Where Does It Come From?
DMT is a tryptamine, which is a type of organic molecule. Other tryptamines you may have heard of before are serotonin and melatonin. DMT is found in a wide range of places, including:
- Plants
- Animals
- Human beings
Yes, even human beings create small amounts of the substance in their bodies. Scientists still don’t fully understand how or why DMT is made by the human body in microscopic amounts.
DMT that is produced for research in legitimate lab settings is usually synthesized, while that which is illegally manufactured for the black market is usually extracted from plant matter. Black market DMT can take the form of a powder that is combined with plant material and vaporized, or more recently, can be found infused into cartridges similar to that of an e-cigarette.
The Effects of DMT
Unlike LSD or psilocybin, DMT lasts only a short time. However, its effects are very powerful, and users can experience a wide range of hallucinatory experiences, altered perception, and some even report having communicated with otherworldly beings. It can be smoked or inhaled, usually in combination with some kind of plant matter like tobacco or marijuana.
Can Substance Abuse Treatment Help Those Who Abuse DMT?
Even though it is a powerful hallucinogenic drug, DMT is not nearly as commonly abused as other similar drugs, such as LSD or psilocybin. However, people do abuse DMT and can find themselves experiencing trouble when they wish to stop. This speaks to an aspect of addiction that, while not as straightforward as withdrawal, is just as real – psychological dependency. DMT provides an experience that many people describe as ‘out-of-body’ or like traveling to another world, and, for those looking to escape their real lives, that can be a powerful draw.
People who abuse DMT habitually can benefit from treatment to help them discover and address the root causes of their addiction. Substance abuse treatment includes counseling, medical treatment for any underlying mental or physical health conditions, and access to peer support. These are all vital in helping clients get into recovery and stay there. In fact, studies show that people who participate in substance abuse treatment programs have the best chance of being able to maintain recovery over time, return to work or school, and rejoin hobbies or family activities. Drug abuse of any kind can disrupt a person’s life, and treatment can help them heal that disruption.
Greater Boston Recovery Centers Can Help with Treatment for DMT Abuse
At our treatment centers, we offer a wide range of programming that is designed to meet our clients where they are and help get them on the path to recovery. Our highly trained and caring staff works with each client individually to design a treatment plan that will help them achieve their goals for recovery and get back to living the life they truly love. If you or someone you care about has been abusing DMT or any other hallucinogenic drug, reach out to us today at 877.920.6583 or via our online form and learn what we can do to help.
