Symptoms of DMT Addiction
DMT is not inherently addictive because there is little to no euphoria or activation of the brain’s reward system with its use. Unlike most other hallucinogens, DMT causes limited tolerance to develop over time and produces no withdrawal symptoms, both of which are features of substance addiction.
However, DMT can produce a pattern of abuse similar to addiction, in that it can produce psychological dependence. That means that people may regularly use the substance because they seek out the effects of the DMT trip, either because they enjoy or value the effects of the trip (as a religion-related use) or because they are using it as a way to cope with stress and negative feelings (escapism).
As such, hallucinogen use — including DMT use — is well-known to produce a pattern of abuse that resembles addiction.
Physical Signs
Other than the symptoms during a trip or any persistent long-term symptoms, there may be no physical clues that a person uses or is addicted to DMT. If a person continually complains about bad experiences from using DMT, yet continues to use the substance, they may be struggling with an addiction.
Behavioral Signs
Addiction to DMT is not characterized by the drive to avoid withdrawal symptoms as are some other substance addictions. Rather, it is a behavioral addiction, similar to other behavioral addictions (“process addictions”).
As such, DMT addiction may be characterized by:
- Invasive and persistent thoughts about using the drug
- Using the drug to cope with negative emotions or stress
- Using the drug to cope with mental health symptoms
- Defensiveness about the drug use
- Experiencing emotional distress when drug use stops
- Difficulty controlling drug use
- Continuing the drug use despite obvious negative consequences
- Avoiding important activities and responsibilities to use the drug