DMT is a powerful hallucinogenic that can alter your sense of time and affect all your senses. In this article, we’ll examine whether DMT shows up in common drug tests, along with detection times, testing methods and risks.
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What is DMT?
N,n-dimethyltryptamine, better known as DMT, is a naturally occurring hallucinogenic found in certain plants. It is a core ingredient in ayahuasca, which often causes side effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and headaches.
DMT itself comes with a number of different effects, including:
- Intense hallucinations
- Altered perception
- Out-of-body experiences
- Increased blood pressure
- Confusion and anxiety
- Mood changes
- Increased heart rate
DMT is classified in the U.S. as a Schedule I substance, which means it’s illegal to use, own or sell.
Does DMT Show Up on Standard Drug Tests?
DMT is currently not on the list of drugs that standard drug tests look for. However, if you’re specifically looking for it, then it can be found in urine. In other words, anyone who is suspected of taking DMT can be given a specialized drug test. For the most part, though, no standardized test has the power to detect DMT, including urine, blood, hair and saliva tests.
Compared to Other Hallucinogenics
DMT belongs to the hallucinogenic category, along with six other major narcotics. Each of these drugs has the potential for the following side effects:
- Dilated pupils
- Sleeplessness
- Tremors
- Excessive sweating
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
As you’ll see below, each hallucinogenic has its own specific effects as well. DMT may not be the strongest drug on this list, but it still has the power to cause intense hallucinations and out-of-body experiences.
LSD
LSD is among the strongest hallucinogenics available. This mind-altering substance is derived from a fungus that is found on grains such as rye. LSD’s side effects include having a blending of the senses, mystical experiences and losing touch with reality. Although LSD isn’t considered addictive, it does cause users to take bigger and bigger doses. The overall effects of LSD often last for nine or more hours.
PCP
PCP was originally developed as an anesthetic by scientists in the 1950s. However, by 1965, its usage was stopped due to its side effects such as:
- Out-of-body feeling
- Feeling irrational
- Agitation
- Numbing effect
- Coma
- Seizures
- Death
Most of the deaths caused by PCP have involved fatal accidents or suicides.
Also known as phenylcyclohexyl piperidine, killer weed and angel dust, PCP can be ingested in several ways, including sniffing, swallowing, injecting or smoking it.
Psilocybin
Commonly referred to as ‘shrooms or magic mushrooms, psilocybin is often taken with chocolate to mask its bitter taste. Usage of this drug dates back to approximately 9000 BCE.
Side effects include:
- Impaired judgment
- Heightened sensory awareness
- Panic attacks
- Frightening hallucinations
- Depression
Peyote
Mescaline, better known as peyote, lasts for approximately 12 hours. Like psilocybin, this substance has an extremely bitter taste. As a result, many users choose to make tea with mescaline.
Peyote is entrenched in Native American culture and is believed to be one of the oldest psychedelics in the world. Frequently experienced side effects include:
- Losing touch with reality
- Extremely vivid mental images
- Altered perception of time and space
Salvia
Salvia divinorum, usually referred to as simply salvia, comes from South America, Central America and Mexico. The leaves can be vaporized, smoked, juiced or chewed on. Either way, common side effects include a blending of your senses and feeling like you are time traveling or floating.
Ketamine
Ketamine was developed as an anesthetic for animals and humans. It can be injected, swallowed or snorted. Side effects include hallucinations, losing contact with reality, difficulty breathing and an increase in blood pressure.
How Long Does DMT Stay in Your System?
DMT can be found in a specialized drug test for anywhere from a few hours to up to 90 days after your last dose. The exact amount of time, along with the side effects you’ll experience, are impacted by things such as your weight, health status, environment, your mood and how much you take. However, the following guidelines provide a general rule of thumb.
- Urine test – Detectable for up to 24 hours, although tests of this sort are rare.
- Blood test – May be found up to 2 hours after use.
- Saliva test – Can detect DMT for only 3 hours.
- Hair Follicle test – Can find proof of DMT usage for up to 90 days, but this test is rarely used.
Detection Table: Detection times for DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine) in various drug tests are as follows:
| Test Type | Detection Window | Notes |
| Urine Test | Up to 24 hours after use | Detects DMT metabolites; detection time may vary based on method of ingestion. |
| Blood Test | Up to 2 hours after use | DMT is rapidly metabolized, making blood tests effective only shortly after use. |
| Saliva Test | Less than 3 hours after use | Detects DMT for a short period; not commonly used. |
| Hair Test | Up to 90 days after use | Can detect long-term use; however, this test is rarely employed for DMT detection. |
Please note that standard drug tests do not typically screen for DMT, and specialized tests are required to detect its presence. Additionally, factors such as dosage, frequency of use, metabolism, and overall health can influence detection times.
Factors That Affect Detection Time
As previously mentioned, there are several different factors that may affect your detection time. These include:
- Dosage and frequency of use
- Individual metabolism and body composition
- Type of drug test used
- Presence of other substances (MAOIs from ayahuasca, for instance)
- Strength of the drug
- Your mood upon taking DMT
- Your environment
Due to these factors, it’s impossible for anyone else to determine exactly how long DMT will be detected. The guidelines listed above can give you a general idea, though.
Risks & Side Effects of DMT Use
There are several short-term and long-term side effects of DMT usage. Even if it’s your first time, you may still experience:
- Intense hallucinations
- Altered perception of time and space
- Potential for panic attacks, anxiety, or psychosis
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
These short-term effects can be difficult enough to deal with. Unfortunately, you may also experience long-term effects such as:
- Potential for risky behavior or unsafe decision-making
- Psychological distress, especially in individuals with mental health disorders
Withdrawal Symptoms of DMT
DMT doesn’t cause typical physical withdrawal. However, psychological after-effects like anxiety, confusion, and depersonalization can occur, especially with frequent use. Pre-existing mental health conditions increase the risk of adverse effects. Combining DMT with other drugs, particularly MAOIs, is dangerous. While rare, high doses can lead to serious physical problems.
When to Seek Help for Psychedelic or Substance Use
Whether you’re using DMT or another psychedelic, there are some signs that it’s time to seek help for substance abuse. For instance, DMT and LSD are known to cause flashbacks. These can strike at any time, and they’re often terrifying. Even worse, you can experience a flashback anywhere from a day to months after your last trip.
DMT can also cause bad trips. Although you’ll typically feel euphoric after taking it, DMT may lead to feeling frightened, being paranoid, dealing with intense anxiety and being highly confused.
Something else to consider is the potential for psychological effects. While you’re on a trip, you may feel depersonalized and experience auditory distortions and visual disturbances. These can lead to an increased risk of depression, along with the possibility of developing serotonin syndrome. Other potential hazards include:
- Restlessness
- Edginess
- Twitching muscles
- Confusion
- Tight, stiff muscles
Long Island Treatment Center offers comprehensive addiction treatment, which includes hallucinogenics. Your options include:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Group Therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Family Therapy
Our Partial Hospitalization Program enables you to sleep at home, while still receiving treatment throughout the day. While it is more limited than an inpatient program, it offers the flexibility needed for some people to get better. PHP also typically includes group and individual therapy sessions.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program works well for those who do not need constant monitoring but still need help. You’ll get to go home at night, and you’ll also experience motivational interviewing and a 12-step program. Additionally, we may have you go to family therapy.
Get Treatment for DMT Today
DMT may not show up in most drug tests, but this doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous. Instead, it simply means it’s not as commonly used as drugs like cocaine, opioids and amphetamines.
If you’ve been struggling with DMT usage, you can receive help. In fact, by enrolling in one of Long Island Treatment Center’s substance abuse programs, you’ll have the opportunity to get clean. Doing so can boost your mental and physical well-being, along with:
- Improving your relationships
- Increasing your energy
- Reducing your risk of death or permanent damage
- Reconnecting with your emotions
- Helping you get better sleep
- Saving you money
For those concerned about a loved one’s DMT use, understanding the available treatment options is crucial. Depending on the level of use, a medical detox may be needed to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
You deserve to live a life that is free from substance abuse. Reach out to Long Island Treatment Center today to begin the process!