How Long Does DMT Last? Things That Affects Your Body

February 15, 2024 by Mani Pandey

DMT, N, N-dimethyltryptamine is a drug that creates hallucinogenic effects. The compound is found naturally in different plant species, and people often use it to experience psychoactive feelings. Even though people use DMT widely, how long does DMT last is one of the most frequently asked questions.

The article will discuss everything about DMT- what it is, how it affects a person, how long the effects of DMT last, and the risks involved in its usage.

Usually, a person on DMT starts feeling, seeing, and hearing things that are not around. With such potency, it gives an out-of-the-world experience. However, due to its usage, misuse, and addiction becomes the major problem.

Let’s understand how it functions.

Article Contains

What is DMT?
How Long Does DMT Last?
Factors That Determine The Effects Of DMT On The Body
DMT Metabolism
What Are The Risks With DMT?

What is DMT?

DMT (N, N-Dimethyltryptamine) is a psychedelic drug used to induce hallucinogenic effects on the body. From weak to intense, it can give mind-altering results and make a person feel trippy.

Different plant species, such as Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi, contain DMT as one of the compounds. It is usually used in ayahuasca brew.

Ayahuasca is a South American psychoactive brew, traditionally used by Indigenous cultures and folk healers in Amazon and Orinoco basins for spiritual ceremonies, divination, and healing a variety of psychosomatic complaints.

Besides Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi, DMT is also readily found in plants such as Phalaris, delosperma, Acacia, desmodium, mimosa, and Virola.

According to a study, our pineal gland also produces a trace amount of DMT (1).

How Long Does DMT Last?

The effect of DMT is an induced trip that involves intense visual and auditory experiences. Sometimes, it makes the muscles inactive, and the person stays seated in his place for hours without knowing.

Some people claim that after using DMT, they see God, angels, and other mythological creatures (2). Others feel more connected to the universe (3). A near-death experience is also felt by many.

Irrespective of the reaction, how long the effects of DMT last depends upon how the body responds and what the method of ingestion is. Below are some of the ways to use DMT (4)

1. Drinking

Once you have drunk the brew, it will take around 50 to 60 minutes to induce the psychedelic effects. Usually, in such cases, the effect lasts for around 4 hours.

2. Smoking

Smoking induces the hallucinogenic effects instantly; however, they will not last for more than 30 minutes. The person may need another puff to reduce the effects.

3. Intravenously

Injecting DMT directly into the blood gives an immediate effect because the compound mixes with the bloodstream and is absorbed instantly. When injected intravenously, one can reach the peak in just five minutes, and the effect comes down after 30 minutes (5).

4. Intramuscularly

DMT can be injected into the muscles for psychedelic effects. In this case, the effects will start appearing within 2 to 5 minutes, and the effect will last for around 30 minutes.

Factors That Determine The Effects Of DMT On The Body

The effect of DMT varies in different individuals. While some may start experiencing the hallucinogenic effects instantly, some take a relatively long time. Usually, it depends upon the following factors-

Type of DMT: Since DMT is available in natural and synthetic form, the former is more potent than the latter. At the same time, the concentration of the compound also contributes to its effect on people.
Method of intake: How you ingest DMT by smoking, drinking, or injecting also indicates how long it will take to induce the effects and how those effects will last.
Amount of DMT: The quantity and concentration of DMT you are consuming relates to its effect on your body.
Body composition: Lastly, since everybody is different, they may respond to the effects of DMT differently (6).

Besides the psychedelic effect, DMT can also increase heart rate and blood pressure and contribute to neurodegenerative and neurorestorative processes.

DMT Metabolism

DMT not only dissolves quickly in the blood, it leaves the bloodstream equally fast. According to a study, this compound is not found in the bloodstream after an hour of ingestion (7).

However, again, the time depends upon the method of ingestion. While drinking in brew keeps it in the bloodstream for four hours, injecting or smoking may fade the effects within 30 minutes.

What Are The Risks With DMT?

Anything giving a hallucinogenic effect is not considered safe for the body, especially in high doses. Some of the risks associated with DMT intake include the following-

serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition
confusion
headache
high blood pressure
chest pain
muscle discoordination

In severe cases, intake of DMT can result in seizure and coma.

Safety Measures With DMT

DMT is an illegal drug to buy, sell, manufacture, distribute, or possess. However, despite knowing the legal and health consequences, if a person is adamant about taking DMT, here are the safety measures that require attention-

Instead of using synthetic DMT, prefer a natural one, coming from ayahuasca, as it is still a safer option.
Stay with a sober and trusted person who can take care of you if you pass out.
Always stay low and let the effects subside before taking another dose.
Do not use it in combination with other substances, alcohol, or medication, as little research has been done on its interaction.
People with mental health issues should avoid DMT.

Conclusion

How long DMT lasts depends upon multiple factors. However, taking DMT is not a good idea due to the extreme health issues that come along with it. It can alter mental as well as physical health and cause severe side effects. Moreover, the more you intake, the more the chances of addiction.

References