Inhaled Dimethyltryptamine (DMT): Use Patterns and Predictors of Consumption Frequency.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – October 15, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Many users find inhaled DMT offers psychologically cleansing experiences. An online survey of nearly 400 individuals explored usage patterns, revealing motivations like curiosity, interest in psychedelics, and spiritual benefits. Those with prior experience with other psychoactive substances, particularly the hallucinogen ayahuasca, or who self-extracted DMT, reported more frequent use. Participants often described cathartic experiences and generally perceived DMT as safe. These findings provide valuable insights for understanding this unique compound.
Abstract
Despite increasing interest in psychedelics and their potential therapeutic effects, research on inhaled N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) remains limited. Inhaled DMT has a reputation for rapid, dramatic onset and a brief duration, but correlates of use frequency remain poorly understood. A sample recruited from relevant internet sites, including nearly 400 people who had inhaled DMT, reported substance use histories, motivations for use, DMT sources, risk perceptions, and other variables. Generally, participants reported initiation motivated by curiosity about DMT's effects, interest in psychedelics more broadly, and potential spiritual benefits. Those who had used other psychoactive substances (especially ayahuasca) and who had extracted DMT themselves reported inhaled DMT more frequently. Most (>60%) reported obtaining DMT from a friend and claimed it was "slightly difficult" to procure. Participants most commonly inhaled DMT from a glass pipe, in private homes, frequently alone or in small groups. Salient positives associated with inhaling DMT included psychologically cleansing or cathartic experiences. Associated challenges concerned difficult integration, aversive experiences, or "bad trips." Participants rated DMT as very or slightly safe. These data underscore the need for continued work on this topic to inform education and harm reduction efforts, particularly as the molecule's reputation for ameliorative effects receives media coverage.