Inhaled 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine: Supportive context associated with positive acute and enduring effects
Nathan D. Sepeda, John Clifton, Laura Y. Doyle, Rafael Lancelotta, Roland R. Griffiths, Alan K. Davis
Journal of Psychedelic Studies December 27, 2019 DOI: 10.1556/2054.2019.033 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 578 |
| Population | Adults who used inhaled synthetic 5-MeO-DMT |
| Intervention | inhaled synthetic 5-MeO-DMT |
| Topics | 5-MeO-DMT Altered states of consciousness DMT |
| Keywords | Psychedelic experience Psychedelic journey Consciousness exploration Profound experience 5-MEO-DMT Experience Set and setting Supportive setting Structured setting Therapeutic environment Psychedelic setting 5-MEO-DMT Context 5-MEO-DMT Research 5-MEO-DMT Study Psychedelic research Psychedelic compound Toad medicine Psychedelic benefits Therapeutic effects Positive outcomes Well-being Spiritual growth Personal growth Mystical experiences Meaning Spirituality Lasting effects |
| Citations | 23 |
| Key findings | A structured, supportive context for 5-MeO-DMT use was associated with higher rates of mystical experiences and greater enduring positive effects, and with fewer challenging experiences, compared to a non-structured context. |
Abstract
Background and aims 5-Methoxy- N,N -dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a potent, short-acting psychedelic that produces strong hallucinogenic effects. The association between the context (i.e., set and setting) of 5-MeO-DMT use and the acute and enduring effects of the substance is unknown. Therefore, this study examined these associations using secondary data from two cross-sectional survey studies.
Methods: The acute and enduring effects of inhaled synthetic 5-MeO-DMT were compared between individuals who used 5-MeO-DMT in a non-structured context (NSC; n = 216, female = 10%, M age = 35.5, SD = 11.8) and those who used in a structured context (SC; n = 362, female = 45%, M age = 47.7, SD = 13.3). Questionnaires were administered online and responses were anonymized for privacy purposes. Respondents were asked to retrospectively rate their first experience with synthesized 5-MeO-DMT on measures of mystical experience, challenging experience, and enduring effects.
Results: Both groups endorsed high ratings on the Mystical Experience Questionnaire; however, mean scores were significantly higher in the SC group compared to the NSC group. Similarly, the proportion of respondents who had a complete mystical experience was significantly larger in the SC group (83%) compared to the NSC group (54%). Ratings of enduring effects (i.e., meaningfulness, spirituality, and well-being) were also significantly higher, and the intensity of challenging experiences was significantly lower, in the SC group compared to the NSC group.
Conclusions: 5-MeO-DMT appears to occasion mystical-type experiences with enduring positive effects, which are more intense when 5-MeO-DMT is administered in a safe and supportive context. Future prospective experimental studies should examine the effects of 5-MeO-DMT and its interactive relationship with supportive contextual factors.