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Inhaled Dimethyltryptamine (DMT): Use Patterns and Predictors of Consumption Frequency.

Jamie E Parnes, Mitch Earleywine

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 15, 2024 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2024.2413984 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed
Sample size 400
Population People recruited from internet sites who had inhaled DMT
Topics Ayahuasca DMT 5-MeO-DMT
Keywords Psychedelics Hallucinogen use
Key findings Initiation of inhaled DMT is driven by curiosity and spiritual interest; more frequent use is associated with prior ayahuasca use and self-extraction of DMT.

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.

Comparable studies

Other cross-sectional and survey studies on DMT, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Survey of subjective "God encounter experiences": Comparisons among naturally occurring experiences and those occasioned by the classic psychedelics psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, or DMT Adults reporting a single most memorable God encounter experience, either nondrug or... 2019 Cross-sectional survey n = 4,285
Survey of entity encounter experiences occasioned by inhaled N,N-dimethyltryptamine: Phenomenology, interpretation, and enduring effects. People who had a memorable entity encounter after taking N,N-dimethyltryptamine 2020 Survey n = 2,561
5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) used in a naturalistic group setting is associated with unintended improvements in depression and anxiety. Adults who used 5-MeO-DMT in a group setting with structured procedures 2019 Cross-sectional survey n = 362
The epidemiology of 5-methoxy- N, N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) use: Benefits, consequences, patterns of use, subjective effects, and reasons for consumption. Adults who use 5-MeO-DMT, recruited via internet-based advertisements; predominantly... 2018 Cross-sectional survey n = 515
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT): Prevalence, user characteristics and abuse liability in a large global sample People who completed the Global Drug Survey online in 2012, many of whom have used drugs 2013 Cross-sectional survey n = 22,289

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Ayahuasca DMT 5-MeO-DMT