How Long Does DMT Last? What To Expect

The effects of dimethyl-tryptamine (DMT) can last anywhere from 45 minutes to four hours, depending on how someone uses the drug. The method of taking DMT makes a big difference in how long the high lasts and how intense it feels. Some ways of using DMT create very short but powerful experiences, while others can extend the effects for several hours.

Even though DMT can produce long-lasting effects, the drug itself doesn’t stay in the body very long. Most drug tests can only detect DMT for a few hours after someone last used it. The only exception is hair follicle testing, which can find traces of DMT use for a much longer period. Knowing how long drugs last is important to know for anyone considering using this powerful psychedelic drug.

What Is DMT?

DMT is a Schedule I drug that naturally occurs in certain plants that grow primarily in central and South American rainforests. It is sometimes called the “spirit molecule.”

DMT has similar effects to other psychoactive drugs, including:

• lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
• magic mushrooms (psilocybin)
• cannabis

Historically, DMT was consumed through a drink called ayahuasca, which remains a common form of DMT use today. DMT can also be artificially synthesized into a white crystalline powder, which can be inhaled, snorted, vaped, smoked, or injected.

The Duration Of DMT’s Effects

The method of use greatly influences the amount of time DMT produces noticeable effects. Fast-acting methods of abuse, such as smoking and injection, are more likely to cause a relatively short DMT “trip” (high) of 30 to 45 minutes. Drinking ayahuasca, on the other hand, causes visual and auditory hallucinations that can last up to four hours due to the combination of DMT and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

Short-Term Effects Of DMT

During the initial high, a person using DMT experiences a range of short-term effects. The duration of these effects will depend on the method of ingestion.

Common side effects of DMT include:

• a rush
• euphoria
• mood swings
• body aches
• tingles
• increased heart rate
• increased blood pressure
• dilated pupils
• unpredictable and intense visual hallucinations
• disassociation

These short-term effects can be overwhelming, especially for people taking it for the first-time. While some people seek out DMT for its hallucinogenic properties, the physical and psychological effects should not be taken lightly.

Long-Term Effects Of DMT

DMT typically doesn’t cause as many serious long-term health problems as other illegal drugs. When the high wears off, most people experience a relatively mild comedown that usually lasts less than a day. This makes DMT different from substances like cocaine or methamphetamine, which can cause severe crashes and withdrawal symptoms.

The drug causes sudden spikes in blood pressure and heart rate each time someone uses it, which can put stress on the cardiovascular system and potentially cause heart problems with repeated use. Some people who use DMT regularly also report experiencing unexpected “flashback” episodes where they feel high again without taking the drug, and in rare cases, frequent use may trigger psychosis.

Factors That Affect How Long DMT Lasts In The Body

DMT has to be processed through the liver and kidneys to fully exit the body. There are several factors that affect how long that process takes.

Dosage

A high dose of DMT may not increase the duration of the initial high, but it will certainly increase how long DMT remains in your system. The half-life of DMT is very short compared to many other types of drugs, so a higher dose will not drastically increase how long it takes for the drug to metabolize.

Method Of Administration

The method of drug abuse may be the single most important factor when it comes to determining how long DMT lasts. Synthetic forms of DMT that are smoked, snorted, and injected are effective for less than an hour. The high from ayahuasca ingestion can last up to four hours, partially due to the combination of ingredients.

Personal Medical History

People who have a condition that affects their liver or their kidneys may take longer to process DMT, allowing the drug to stay in the body for a longer period.

Body Composition

Someone with a higher body fat percentage may have detectable levels of DMT for longer periods due to the drug being temporarily stored in fat cells.

DMT Detection Through Drug Testing

The metabolites that are created as a result of processing DMT can be detected through routine drug screening for a limited time. The window of detection depends on the type of sample used.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are usually only able to detect DMT if the sample is taken within two to three hours of the last use.

Saliva Tests

A saliva test is only reliable for about an hour after DMT is used.

Urine Tests

Urine tests are one of the most common forms of drug screening because they can typically detect drug use within four to seven days of the last dose.

In the case of DMT, a urine test is only likely to detect metabolites for about 24 hours.

Hair Tests

Hair tests can detect DMT use up to three months after the last use if it has been at least a week since the drug was used. Hair follicle tests are fairly uncommon in comparison to urine and blood tests unless someone is looking for a pattern of long-term drug abuse.

Treatment Options For DMT

DMT is not normally associated with withdrawal or addiction. However, DMT may be a component in a complex case of polysubstance abuse. A person may not want to stop using DMT if they are using hallucinogens to escape the symptoms of an untreated mental health condition. People who use DMT in these ways should seek addiction therapy with the option for dual diagnosis treatment.

Addiction treatment programs can last anywhere from a week to over a year depending on your individual case and personal needs.

Short-Term Rehabilitation

Short-term rehabilitation centers typically provide addiction recovery services lasting up to 30 days, but the average is closer to one or two weeks. You may choose outpatient care, inpatient care, or a combination of the two depending on what your treatment facility offers.

Long-Term Rehabilitation

Long-term rehabilitation programs are usually about three months long. However, they can range anywhere from 31 days to over a year. As with short-term rehab programs, there are a variety of options. Of these, dual diagnosis treatment and medication-assisted treatment may be better suited to a long-term program.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff