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Use of Benefit Enhancement Strategies among 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) Users: Associations with Mystical, Challenging, and Enduring Effects

Rafael Lancelotta, Alan K. Davis

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs March 9, 2020 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2020.1737763 (opens in new tab)

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Characteristics Cross-sectional survey Longitudinal Peer reviewed
Sample size 515
Population 5-MeO-DMT users
Topics Mysticism 5-MeO-DMT DMT
Keywords Meaning existential Clinical psychology Psychotherapist Theology
Citations 32
Key findings Use of benefit enhancement strategies was common and associated with more intense mystical-type effects and greater enduring personal meaning and spiritual significance, and some strategies were linked to less challenging experiences.

Abstract

5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a potent, fast-acting psychedelic. Anecdotal reports from 5-MeO-DMT users suggest that they employ a variety of benefit enhancement (BE) strategies aimed to increase positive effects and decrease any potential challenging effects of the substance, but no empirical study has investigated this claim. We examined the prevalence of BE strategy use using secondary data from a survey of 5-MeO-DMT users (n = 515; Mage = 35.4, SD = 11.7; Male = 79%; White/Caucasian = 86%). Results indicated that BE strategy use was common in this sample. As a secondary aim, we assessed whether the use of BE strategies was associated with acute subjective (i.e., mystical-type, challenging) and persisting effects of 5-MeO-DMT among a subset of respondents who reported using 5-MeO-DMT once in their lifetime (n = 116). Results showed that the use of several BE strategies were associated with significantly more intense mystical-type effects and enduring beliefs about the personal meaning and spiritual significance of their experience, and some BE strategies were associated with less intense or challenging experiences. Data suggests that BE strategies are commonly used, and that the use of BE strategies may be associated with increases in positive mystical-type and enduring effects. The causal influence of BE strategies on acute/persisting effects of 5-MeO-DMT should be examined in longitudinal research.

Comparable studies

Other cross-sectional and survey studies on 5-MeO-DMT, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
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
Reactivations after 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine use in naturalistic settings: An initial exploratory analysis of the phenomenon’s predictors and its emotional valence People who used 5-MeO-DMT in non-clinical settings 2022 Observational cross-sectional survey n = 513
A comparison of reactivation experiences following vaporization and intramuscular injection (IM) of synthetic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in a naturalistic setting Adults who used 5-MeO-DMT via intramuscular injection or vaporization, recruited... 2020 Cross-sectional survey n = 27

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Mysticism 5-MeO-DMT DMT Mystical experience