How Long Does DMT Last? What To Expect

The high associated with dimethyl-tryptamine (DMT) can be as short as 45 minutes or as long as four hours. Different methods of drug use are responsible for how long a drug lasts.

Regardless of how it is used, DMT doesn’t stay in the body for very long. DMT cannot usually be detected beyond a few hours following its last use except with a hair follicle test.

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

Long-Term Effects Of DMT

DMT is not usually associated with many long-term or life-threatening effects. The comedown from the high is relatively mild in comparison to other illicit substances and lasts less than a day.

However, there may be some side effects that occur as a result of repetitive use.

These include cardiovascular complications resulting from repeated spikes in blood pressure and heart rate as well as the risk of unpredictable “flashback” highs and temporary 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 also struggle 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.

Find DMT Substance Abuse Treatment Today

DMT may not technically be addictive, but abusing psychedelics can still do plenty of damage. If you or a loved one is using DMT, call us today to learn about treatment options in your area.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff