PsyPost
No Result
View All Result
PsyPost
No Result
View All Result
Home Exclusive Psychopharmacology

Researchers find DMT an ‘increasingly popular’ psychedelic drug

by Eric W. Dolan
November 30, 2013
in Psychopharmacology
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Dimethyltryptamine moleculeThe illegal drug known as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) appears to be increasing in popularity, but is relatively safe, according to research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in November.

“The ratio of users for whom DMT was the last new drug versus those who reported lifetime DMT use was higher than ketamine, LSD and magic mushrooms, suggesting that it may be an increasingly popular substance for those seeking an alternative to traditionally available hallucinogens,” Dr. Adam R. Winstock of King’s College London and his colleagues wrote in the study.

DMT was first synthesized by the chemist Richard H. F. Manske in 1931. The drug’s powerful psychedelic properties were not scientifically documented until psychiatrist Stephen Szára studied DMT in the mid-1950s. Researchers later discovered the drug occurred naturally in the human body.

Though the scientific institutions of the West only recently discovered DMT, the drug was the key component of a sacred brew called ayahausca or yage that had a long history of use by South American tribes.

Winstock and his colleagues used the Global Drug Survey to compare DMT with ketamine, LSD and magic mushrooms. The survey included more than 22,000 respondents from around the world. About two percent, or 472 participants, reported that DMT was the last new drug they had tried.

Those who recently started using the drug were more likely to be younger, male and currently in education when compared with those who never used DMT.

For all the psychedelic substances, the most common source was a friend. A drug dealer was the second most common source.

DMT users said the drug provided “a short, intense and pleasurable experience with negligible negative effects.”

The vast majority smoked DMT and for most people the effects only lasted about 15 minutes. The majority of users also rated the effect of DMT as stronger than ketamine, magic mushrooms and LSD.

“Such potency of effect should prompt novice users to take significant care and advice when first using this drug since the rapid onset of an intense psychedelic effect may be unpleasant,” the researchers noted.

Few people felt an urge to use more of the drug. The researchers concluded that DMT “has a reasonable safety profile, with few users reporting significant negative effects when high or following an episode of use.” The median lethal dose of DMT in humans is estimated to be about 560 mg, which is 20 times a normal dose.

The harms associated with the drug are due to “bad trips,” or disturbing hallucinatory experiences. Some users also reported respiratory irritation.

“Like other psychedelic substances, DMT’s profound effects on consciousness may limit its appeal to the wider population and likely prevent habitual use, except in those who use it in within a religious context,” the researchers said.

The drug’s subjective effects were featured in the cult film Enter the Void. Watch below:

ShareTweetSendScanShareSharePinSend

Get all the latest updates on new psychology research with the free PsyPost app.
 


NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP

STAY CONNECTED

TRENDING

New study suggests that psychopathic individuals tend to become even worse after age 50

Biden voters were much more likely to report negative voting than Trump voters in the 2020 election

People with borderline tendencies have a higher number of estranged relationships

Women withhold honest sexual communication to protect their partner’s perceived masculinity, study finds

Partners’ heart rates synchronize in complex patterns of interaction when they are in close proximity

New research links deepfake pornography to psychopathic tendencies

RECENT

Reality TV viewing is associated with increased support for traditional gender roles among adolescents

Men who pose shirtless on Tinder are perceived as less competent and more prone to risky sexual behavior

Social media helps improve mood among older adults by enriching their in-person encounters, study suggests

Biden voters were much more likely to report negative voting than Trump voters in the 2020 election

Women withhold honest sexual communication to protect their partner’s perceived masculinity, study finds

  • Cognitive Science
  • COVID-19
  • Mental Health
  • Social Psychology
  • Drug Research
  • Conspiracy Theories
  • Meditation
  • Psychology of Religion
  • Aviation Psychology and Human Factors
  • Relationships and Sexual Health
Powered by

About

PsyPost is a psychology and neuroscience news website dedicated to reporting the latest research on human behavior, cognition, and society. (READ MORE...)

  • Contact us
  • Privacy policy

No Result
View All Result
  • About
    • Newsletter signup form
  • Cart
  • Checkout
  • Contact
  • Contact us
  • My account
  • Privacy policy
  • Psychology news
  • PsyPost app privacy policy
  • Shop
  • SmartMag Home

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used.