Article on "DMT: Two sides of one coin" by Bhavya Bhalla

 

By Bhavya Bhalla

Course: BBA.LLB

Semester: 4^th

College: JIMS, GGSIPU

DMT: Two sides of one coin 

Ø Introduction:

DMT (dimethyltryptamine) is a powerful psychedelic compound that is naturally produced in the human brain and is responsible for producing vivid, otherworldly experiences. While the exact function of endogenous DMT in the brain is still not fully understood, researchers believe that it may play a role in regulating mood, perception, and consciousness. In this essay, we will explore the role of endogenous DMT in the brain, as well as some of the alternative ways to induce psychedelic experiences.

 

Ø DMT in the Brain 

DMT is a naturally occurring compound that is found in many plants and animals, including humans. In the human body, DMT is produced by the pineal gland, a small gland located deep in the brain that is responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle. While the exact purpose of endogenous DMT in the brain is still unclear, researchers have proposed several theories. 

One theory is that DMT may be involved in the regulation of mood and emotional processing. Studies have found that DMT levels in the brain increase during emotional experiences, suggesting that it may play a role in mediating the effects of stress and anxiety. Additionally, some researchers believe that DMT may be involved in the production of mystical and spiritual experiences, and may be responsible for the feelings of connectedness and unity often reported by users of psychedelics.

 

Ø Alternatives to Endogenous DMT: 

While endogenous DMT is a powerful psychedelic compound, there are several alternative ways to induce psychedelic experiences.

Psilocybin: Psilocybin is a compound found in certain species of mushrooms and has been used for centuries in traditional spiritual practices. Psilocybin produces similar effects to DMT, including altered perception and mystical experiences. Recent research has shown that psilocybin may have therapeutic benefits for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.

LSD: LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a synthetic compound that was first synthesized in 1938. LSD produces similar effects to DMT and is known for its ability to produce profound changes in perception and consciousness. Like psilocybin, LSD has shown promise as a therapeutic agent for several mental health conditions.

Ketamine: Ketamine is an anesthetic that is commonly used in veterinary medicine. In recent years, ketamine has gained attention for its potential as a rapid-acting antidepressant. Ketamine produces dissociative effects and can induce altered states of consciousness.

Ayahuasca: Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian brew that contains DMT and other psychoactive compounds. Ayahuasca has been used for centuries in traditional spiritual practices and is known for its ability to induce powerful visionary experiences.

 

Ø Effects of DMT use on Youth:

In young people, DMT use can have a range of physical and mental health consequences. In the short-term, DMT use can cause rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and respiratory distress, which can be particularly dangerous for those with underlying health conditions. Long-term use of DMT has been associated with changes in brain structure and function, as well as increased risk of psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. 

Furthermore, the use of DMT by youth is illegal and can result in serious legal and social consequences. The use of any illegal substance, including DMT, can negatively impact a young person's academic, social, and professional prospects.

It is important for parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to educate young people about the potential risks and consequences associated with DMT use, and to provide them with healthy and positive alternatives for self-expression and exploration. This can include engaging in creative activities such as art, music, and dance, as well as practicing mindfulness and meditation to enhance feelings of well-being and connectedness. It is also important for young people to seek professional guidance and support if they are struggling with mental health issues or substance use.

 

Ø  Side effects of DMT use:

DMT is a potent psychedelic compound that can produce a range of effects on the mind and body. While some people may have positive experiences with DMT, such as feelings of unity and connectedness, others may experience negative effects, including physical and mental health consequences. Some of the potential side effects of DMT use include:

Physical Effects: DMT can cause physical effects, such as rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and rapid breathing. Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Psychological Effects: DMT can produce a range of psychological effects, including intense visual and auditory hallucinations, altered perception of time and space, and profound changes in mood and emotion. Some people may also experience anxiety, confusion, and paranoia.

Flashbacks: Some people may experience "flashbacks" or re-experiencing of DMT-induced effects long after the drug has left their system. This can be unsettling and disruptive to daily life.

Risk of Psychosis: DMT use has been associated with an increased risk of developing psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, particularly in individuals with a predisposition to these conditions.

Addiction and Dependence: While DMT is not considered to be addictive in the same way as other substances such as cocaine or heroin, some people may develop a psychological dependence on the drug and feel a compulsion to use it repeatedly.

Legal and Social Consequences: The use of DMT is illegal in most jurisdictions and can result in serious legal and social consequences, including arrest, imprisonment, and social stigma.

 

Ø Controversies Surrounding Psychedelic Use: 

The use of psychedelics is a controversial topic, and their legal status varies by country and substance. While some researchers and advocates argue that psychedelics have therapeutic potential and should be legalized for medical use, others argue that their potential risks and the potential for abuse outweigh any potential benefits.

 

Ø Scientist’s take on DMT:

Dr. Rick Strassman, a clinical psychiatrist and researcher, conducted the first human studies of DMT in the 1990s. Strassman's research involved administering DMT to volunteers in a clinical setting and recording their experiences. Strassman found that DMT produced a rapid onset of intense visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as profound changes in perception and consciousness. Many of the volunteers reported feeling as if they had been transported to other dimensions or realms of existence. Additionally, many volunteers reported experiencing feelings of unity and interconnectedness with all things, as well as a sense of profound spiritual significance.

In his book, "DMT: The Spirit Molecule," Strassman theorized that endogenous DMT may be involved in the production of mystical and spiritual experiences, and may be responsible for the feelings of connectedness and unity often reported by users of psychedelics. Strassman's research paved the way for further studies of DMT and its effects on consciousness.

Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, a neuroscientist at Imperial College London, has conducted several studies on the effects of psychedelics on the brain, including DMT. In a 2019 study, Carhart-Harris and his team used brain imaging techniques to study the effects of DMT on the brain. The study found that DMT produced a significant increase in brain activity in the visual cortex, as well as in areas of the brain associated with emotional processing and memory.

Additionally, the study found that DMT produced a decrease in activity in the default mode network (DMN), a network of brain regions that is active when the mind is at rest and not focused on the outside world. The DMN is believed to play a role in self-referential thinking and the formation of the ego. The decrease in DMN activity produced by DMT may explain the sense of ego dissolution and loss of self often reported by users of DMT and other psychedelics.

Dr. Andrew Gallimore, a neurobiologist and pharmacologist, has conducted extensive research on the effects of DMT on the brain. Gallimore has developed a theoretical framework for understanding the effects of DMT on consciousness, which he calls the "extended state DMT hypothesis." According to this hypothesis, DMT produces a shift in consciousness that allows the mind to access higher-dimensional states of reality. 

Gallimore has also conducted experiments using computer simulations to model the effects of DMT on the brain. His simulations have shown that DMT produces a fractal-like pattern of neural activity, which he believes may be responsible for the complex visual and auditory hallucinations produced by the compound.

 

In conclusion, scientists have been studying the effects of DMT on the brain and consciousness for decades. The experiences of researchers such as Dr. Rick Strassman, Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, and Dr. Andrew Gallimore have shed light on the profound changes in perception and consciousness produced by DMT. While the role of endogenous DMT in the brain is still not fully understood, further research into the effects of DMT may have implications for our understanding of consciousness, spirituality, and the nature of reality.

 

Ø Conclusion:

DMT is a naturally occurring compound in the human brain that is responsible for producing profound psychedelic experiences. While the exact function of endogenous DMT is still not fully understood, researchers believe that it may play a role in regulating mood, perception, and consciousness. However, there are several alternative ways to induce psychedelic experiences, including psilocybin, LSD, ketamine, and ayahuasca. While the use of psychedelics is a controversial topic, continued research into their therapeutic potential may lead to new treatments for a variety of mental health conditions.

 

Ø Personal Point of View: 

DMT is a powerful psychedelic compound that can produce intense visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as profound changes in perception and consciousness. While DMT occurs naturally in the human brain and is also found in various plants used in traditional spiritual practices, its use as a recreational drug has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Some people report positive experiences with DMT, such as feelings of unity and interconnectedness with all things, as well as a sense of profound spiritual significance. Others, however, report negative experiences, such as anxiety, confusion, and paranoia.

Alternatives to DMT include other psychedelic compounds, such as LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline, as well as non-psychedelic substances, such as meditation and mindfulness practices. While these alternatives can also produce profound changes in perception and consciousness, they are generally considered to be safer and less potent than DMT.

It is important to note that the use of recreational drugs, including DMT and its alternatives, can have both short-term and long-term physical and mental health consequences. Additionally, the use of these substances can be illegal in many jurisdictions, which can carry legal and social consequences.

Ultimately, the decision to use DMT or any other recreational drug is a personal one that should be made with careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits. It is important to seek professional medical and psychological guidance before experimenting with any substance that alters consciousness.

 

Ø  Refrences:

DMT: the spirit molecule

The neuro divergent

DMT & my occult mind

Podcasts by Joe Rogan