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The epidemiology of 5-methoxy- N, N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) use: Benefits, consequences, patterns of use, subjective effects, and reasons for consumption.

Alan K. Davis, Joseph P Barsuglia, Rafael Lancelotta, Robert M. Grant, Elise Renn

Journal of Psychopharmacology July 1, 2018 DOI: 10.1177/0269881118769063 (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 515
Population Adults who use 5-MeO-DMT, recruited via internet-based advertisements; predominantly male (79%), White/Caucasian (86%), and United States residents (42%)
Topics 5-MeO-DMT DMT
Keywords 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine 5-MEO-DMT 5-Methoxy-N Psychoactive tryptamines Compound Epidemiology surveyed Individuals Experiences Usage patterns Infrequently Perceived benefits Spiritual growth Personal growth Motivations
Citations 137
Key findings 5-MeO-DMT is used infrequently and is associated with significant positive subjective effects, including spiritual and personal growth, and potential psychotherapeutic benefits.

Abstract

5-Methoxy- N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a psychoactive compound found in several plants and in high concentrations in Bufo alvarius toad venom. Synthetic, toad, and plant-sourced 5-MeO-DMT are used for spiritual and recreational purposes and may have psychotherapeutic effects. However, the use of 5-MeO-DMT is not well understood. Therefore, we examined patterns of use, motivations for consumption, subjective effects, and potential benefits and consequences associated with 5-MeO-DMT use. Using internet-based advertisements, 515 respondents ( Mage=35.4. SD=11.7; male=79%; White/Caucasian=86%; United States resident=42%) completed a web-based survey. Most respondents consumed 5-MeO-DMT infrequently (

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
Use of Benefit Enhancement Strategies among 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) Users: Associations with Mystical, Challenging, and Enduring Effects 5-MeO-DMT users 2020 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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5-MeO-DMT DMT Mystical experience