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How Long Does DMT Last?
Jul
DMT is a powerful hallucinogen that produces an intense and often spiritual experience. Classed as a psychedelic, interest in it has increased over the past few years, as well as its short-term and long-term effects, due to documentaries and psychedelic trends.
In this blog, we’ll explore the topic in more detail, so whether you’re exploring DMT yourself, concerned about a loved one’s use or researching hallucinogens as part of addiction treatment, keep reading to find out more.
What is DMT?
DMT, short for N-Dimethyltryptamine, is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound that is found in certain animals and plants. Chemically, it’s similar to serotonin and can produce powerful changes in mood, perception and consciousness. It is sometimes referred to as the spirit molecule due to the profound and out-of-this-world experiences that users often report. However, while DMT might be short-acting, the psychological effects of this substance can often be much more long-lasting.
In the UK, DMT is a Class A drug. This means it is illegal to possess, supply and produce. Despite this, its use has increased in recent years, sparking greater curiosity regarding the substance, its uses and effects.
How Long Do The Effects of DMT Last?
The duration of a DMT trip depends on how the drug is consumed. There are two common methods: smoking or vaporising it, and ingesting it orally. When smoked or vaporised, DMT takes up to 1 minute to take effect. Effects typically peak between 2-5 minutes and can last up to 30 minutes.
During this method, DMT enters the bloodstream quickly via the lungs and causes an almost immediate onset of effects. They also fade quickly, which makes it one of the shortest-acting hallucinogens.
Taken orally as ayahuasca – a traditional Amazonian drink – DMT can take up to 60 minutes to take effect and typically peaks after around 1-2 hours. These effects can last up to 6 hours. In this method, DMT is combined with MAOIs – monoamine oxidase inhibitors – which allow the DMT to remain active and therefore produce a slower, longer and often more introspective experience.
What Does a DMT Experience Feel Like?
While a DMT experience will feel different for different users, it typically creates an intense physical and psychological effect. Users have described this as life-changing or mystical. Some of the most common feelings include:
- Fast and vivid hallucinations
- Out-of-body sensations
- Ego dissolution
- Strange encounters with symbolic imagery
- Intense emotions ranging from euphoria to terror
- Distorted time perception
Some users report feeling confused, frightened and emotionally uncomfortable, especially when psychedelics such as DMT have been taken in an unsafe setting. When users do experience a bad trip, the long-term emotional effects can be life-altering.
