Snorting DMT (Insufflation) Dangers And Risks

DMT, often called “the spirit molecule,” is a powerful psychedelic drug that exists naturally in tiny amounts in the human brain. It’s also the main ingredient in ayahuasca, a traditional plant medicine used in South American religious ceremonies. While DMT has been used for spiritual purposes for centuries, synthetic versions of this drug have become available.

Most people who use DMT smoke or vaporize it to feel its effects quickly. However, some people choose to snort synthetic DMT in its crystal powder form instead. This method of using DMT is dangerous and can cause serious harm to both your nose and your overall health.

Learn more about the dangers and effects of snorting other drugs.

What Is DMT?

DMT ( N, N-dimethyltryptamine) is commonly produced as an illegal synthetic compound in the United States. People take DMT recreationally or to feel a greater sense of spiritual awareness. By itself, DMT is quickly metabolized, and it is usually combined with an MAOI (MAO-inhibitor) to slow its breakdown.

It’s important to know that combining DMT with MAOIs carries serious risks beyond the psychedelic effects. MAOIs interact dangerously with many common substances including certain foods, medications, and other drugs (MDMA, cocaine, and some antidepressants). This can lead to hypertensive crisis, serotonin syndrome, and death. Anyone taking prescribed MAOIs for depression should be aware that DMT use in any form is particularly dangerous.

Regardless of origin, whether from South America or elsewhere, DMT’s use as a hallucinogenic drug produces strong mind-altering experiences. The highs associated with DMT are reportedly stronger than those derived through the use of other hallucinogens, such as psilocybin (magic mushrooms) or LSD (acid).

Side Effects Of DMT

DMT does not create the same experiences for everyone. The drug’s purity, the quantity taken, a person’s mental health, and the person’s surroundings at the time the drug takes effect will influence outcomes.

DMT’s side effects include:

• altered senses of time
• altered sense of space
• profound experiences with perceived deities, aliens, or the universe
• out-of-body experiences
• auditory hallucinations
• visual hallucinations
• altered perceptions of reality
• altered perceptions of sounds
• altered visual perception

People who have snorted DMT frequently report it as intensely painful, more so than snorting other substances, because of its chemical properties and the high doses required to feel effects through nasal administration. Nasal ingestion of DMT is typically performed by mixing an MAOI with DMT powder into coconut cream, which is applied inside the nose.

DMT carries heavy side effects that may complicate existing health conditions. Typical side effects may include increased heart rate and blood pressure, agitation, chest pain, dizziness, and more. Side effects and “trip” outcomes are generally unpredictable, but even more so when DMT is taken with MDMA, cannabis, ketamine, or synthetic opioids like tramadol and fentanyl.

Side Effects Of Snorting DMT

DMT does not typically create physical dependence like strong opioids or benzodiazepines. However, it can result in serious short-term and long-term effects on the body. People with heart conditions are especially at risk when snorting DMT.

Possible side effects include:

• hypertension
• elevated heart rate
• high blood pressure
• nausea
• vomiting
• agitation
• rapid eye movements
• seizures
• dilated pupils
• respiratory arrest
• damaged voice
• damage to the nasal septum
• damage to the mucous membrane
• irritation

The combination of cardiovascular effects such as high blood pressure and elevated heart rate, along with the potential for seizures and breathing problems, can quickly become life-threatening. The damage to your nose and breathing passages from snorting DMT can also be permanent.

If someone experiences respiratory arrest, seizures, or loss of consciousness after using DMT, call 911 immediately. Place the person in the recovery position (on their side) to reduce choking risk if vomiting occurs. Do not leave them alone while waiting for emergency services.

Long-Term Effects Of DMT Use

Besides the potential physical impact of having extended high blood pressure or heart rate, the major concern surrounding recreational DMT use involves altered mental status.

Mental Health Impact

Frequent use of hallucinogenic drugs like DMT can trigger a serious condition called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). This disorder creates a psychotic state where people experience intense, unexpected flashbacks that interfere with their daily life and normal functioning. These flashbacks can happen at any time, even when the person hasn’t used the drug recently.

HPPD can persist for months or years after hallucinogen use stops, in some cases indefinitely. There is no established cure, though certain medications may reduce symptom severity. Anyone experiencing persistent visual disturbances, flashbacks, or depersonalization after DMT use should seek evaluation from a psychiatrist familiar with hallucinogen-related disorders.

HPPD and other forms of persistent psychosis caused by hallucinogen use can also lead to mental health problems. People may experience disorganized thinking, making it hard to focus or make sense of their thoughts. They might develop paranoia, experience changes in how they see things around them, and have unpredictable mood swings as well.

If DMT use triggers severe psychological distress, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline immediately. HPPD and hallucinogen-induced psychosis are recognized clinical conditions that require professional support.

Addiction To DMT

While DMT doesn’t cause physical addiction like other drugs, people can still develop a psychological dependence on it. Those who experience intense spiritual feelings or well-being from using DMT may find themselves wanting to recreate these experiences more often, leading them to use the drug repeatedly.

Signs that DMT use has become problematic include:

• foregoing normal activities to get DMT
• sacrificing personal and professional relationships
• ignoring obligations
• craving DMT
• lying about drug use
• combining DMT with other drugs
• experiencing flashbacks or psychotic symptoms
• feeling out of touch

If you or a loved one are battling substance use disorder, talk to an addiction specialist or your primary care provider. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can also provide more information, including local resources and rehab programs to help you get on the path to recovery.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff