Can DMT Help Treat Addiction?
An increasing number of people are turning to DMT in a quest to overcome their addictions.
From ‘Spirit molecule’ to ‘God molecule,’ these are just some of the names for one of the most powerful psychedelics known to man: Dimethyltryptamine (DMT).
What is DMT?
DMT is a powerful hallucinogen that comes in two forms: natural and synthetic. The first form occurs naturally in many plants and animals. Take, for example, Ayahuasca. It is a potent South American brew used by native Amazonian tribes for religious rituals and recreation, with DMT being the main psychoactive ingredient. However, the other form of DMT can be extracted in a laboratory to make a pure, crystalline white powder. This can either be smoked or snorted.
How Long Does DMT Last?
When smoked or snorted, the trip can be as short as 15 minutes. In comparison, when it is ingested, it can last up to 6 hours. It is worth bearing in mind that the side effects of DMT are shorter than other psychedelics, but this doesn’t take away from the experience. In terms of potency, there’s no doubt about it: DMT is some serious stuff.
What Does DMT Feel Like?
In the world of psychedelics, DMT is in a league of its own. The main effect is psychological. Users often experience intense visuals, euphoria, and an altered sense of time. However, it isn’t uncommon for there to be a more profound impact. Others have reported visits to other worlds. In fact, Canadian filmmaker Terence McKenna went as far as to invent the term ‘machine elf’ to describe the entities he encountered in DMT “hyperspace” after smoking a high dose. And then there are the countless ‘near-death experiences’ described by many. It’s no surprise then that many people stay away from DMT after hearing such horror stories. I initially avoided DMT for these very reasons – until I took a leap of faith during my trip to Ecuador in 2019.
Is DMT legal in the United States?
DMT is federally a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States. This means it’s illegal to make, buy, possess, or distribute it.
Can DMT Help With My Addiction?
Despite what you may have heard, it appears that DMT delivers more than just extra-terrestrial meetings… Studies are emerging that show that DMT can help treat addiction. This is promising news: recent data shows that almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% of them receive the treatment they need.
A Canadian study published in the Current Drug Abuse Reviews Journal (2013) recorded the results of a four-day addiction treatment retreat involving group therapy and two ayahuasca “ceremonies”. The results showed a decline in alcohol, tobacco, and cocaine use. One subject even went as far as saying:
I struggled with my addiction—crack cocaine—for many years… [The retreat] helped me release the hurt and pain that I was carrying around…ever since, I’ve been clean and sober.
Much in the same way, another study published in The Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, followed ten participants as they received Ayahuasca treatment over the course of two years. The findings demonstrated an improvement in problem-solving, addictive behavior, as well as a reduction in cravings.
Renowned addiction expert Dr Gabor Mate could not agree anymore. With drug-related deaths having more than tripled since 1990, Dr Mate is always keen to explore alternative methods to treating addiction. Dr Mate believes that addiction is a direct result of coping mechanisms developed in early childhood to deal with stress, abuse, or trauma. As a way to combat this, Dr Mate advocates Ayahuasca as a way of alleviating the underlying causes of addiction:
No matter what a person is addicted to…each addicted person harbors a deep pain, which they may or may not be in touch with. The plant removes the self-created barriers to get in touch with the source of that pain…
What Do I Need To Consider Before Using DMT?
Sadly, there is no quick fix when it comes to addiction recovery. Psychedelic therapy is just one of many tools that can help you. But it isn’t the whole answer. It’s important to use a holistic approach when overcoming addiction. This is the exact approach our coaches at Being True To You pride themselves on.
Our team includes experts in both addiction recovery and psychedelic integration. If you decide to embark on a psychedelic journey, then preparation is crucial. DMT can be tough to navigate, and without the right tools, it can be a terrifying experience. Click here to see how we can help.
Disclaimer: Being True To You provides transformational and integration coaching. We write about psychedelic experiences because the people we work with encounter them — not because we recommend them. Nothing here is a recommendation to use any substance, and Being True To You does not approve, suggest, source, or refer psychedelic substances or providers. Laws differ by country and by state, and they change. This article is educational and is not medical advice. Our coaches are not counselors or mental health professionals: they do not assess, diagnose, or treat any condition, do not advise on medical decisions, and never replace or discourage professional medical care. If you are weighing a decision that affects your health, speak with a qualified medical professional.