5-MeO-DMT Therapy
5-MeO-DMT Therapy
5-MeO-DMT Therapy
What is 5-MeO-DMT?
5-MeO-DMT is both a natural and synthetic fast-acting psychedelic of the tryptamine class that is closely related to N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). As with any psychoactive compound, it is best for people to always start low and slow.
The reason for this is twofold. 5-MeO-DMT, or “Five” as the substance is sometimes called, is active in the milligram range, so accurate dosing is very important as it would be quite easy to take more than desired, providing too strong a psychedelic experience. This substance can be difficult to accurately dose when it’s sourced from natural products vs. made synthetically. The method of extraction can differ, which ends up changing the purity of the final product, thus changing the amount needed.
What is a 5-MeO-DMT experience like?
The DMT experience is definitely a next-level psychedelic journey. The effects are usually felt within moments following consumption, with a one-to-15-minute peak followed by a gradual return to baseline after 30 to 90 minutes.
The effects of 5-MeO-DMT, while different for everyone, are intense. For onlookers, it can be shocking to see someone ingest 5-MeO-DMT, as the person consuming this compound will experience a loss of physical coordination and control.
This substance is so strong, that even a single inhalation produces experiences that are reported to be like NDEs (near-death experiences). As a result, it’s often called “the God molecule” due to the intensity and the sense of a god-like presence.
5-MeO-DMT dosage
When taking synthetic 5-MeO-DMT, a threshold dose is around 1-2mg, while a moderate-to-strong dose is between 5 and 10mg. When naturally consumed in the form of the dried toad secretion (venom), the threshold dose is 5-10 mg, and a moderate-to-strong dose is 20-40 mg.
What is the Therapeutic Value of 5-MeO-DMT?
While this psychedelic compound has been used for centuries by spiritual leaders in a ceremonial group setting, or by individuals seeking profound experiences, its use in therapy is relatively new. While psychedelic medicines are still limited in their use, clinical trials are slowly being conducted and assessed.
Looking at the study, “The epidemiology of 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) use: benefits, consequences, patterns of use, subjective effects, and reasons for consumption,” some interesting light is shed on the use patterns and the general outcomes.
First, they note, “most respondents consumed 5-MeO-DMT infrequently (less than once a year), for spiritual exploration, and had used less than four times in their lifetime.” Of those included in the study, “the majority (average of 90%) reported moderate-to-strong mystical-type experiences and relatively fewer (average of 37%) experienced very slight challenging experiences.” When referring to mystical experiences, the subjects reported feelings of ineffability, timelessness, awe/amazement, and the experience of pure being/awareness.
Furthermore, of those test subjects who reported a psychiatric disorder, most respondents reported improvements in symptoms following 5-MeO-DMT use. This includes, “improvements related to post-traumatic stress disorder (79%), depression (77%), anxiety (69%), and alcoholism (66%) or drug use disorder (60%).”
Recently, it has been suggested that “Five” analogs may be used in the treatment of mood disorders. The evidence that psychedelic therapy, specifically DMT- therapy, could have massive benefits for patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders cannot be ignored. Due to the strong link between altered neurogenesis and mood disorders, scientists wanted to test whether 5-MeO-DMT can increase neuronal cell proliferation.
How is DMT-Therapy Performed?
For the scientific research that has been performed, individuals who have volunteered to take “Five” are given carefully measured doses. Throughout their experience, their vital signs are carefully monitored, and, in some cases, they receive brain scans before and after their session. They then describe their experiences, which are recorded and later analyzed.
In a setting where “Five”, is being used for therapy purposes, the process looks a bit different. Most individuals will go through multiple preparation sessions with a trained therapist prior to receiving any dosage. These preparation sessions usually include assessments such as the psychiatric rating scale, so that progress can be accurately measured.
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After they receive a dose, they usually lay in a quiet room with the therapist present. Following their sessions, patients are encouraged to share their experiences with their therapist. This part of the session is often key for those seeking psychedelic therapy as a solution for depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, and other mental disorders.
What Is Neurogenesis?
Neurogenesis is the regrowth and regeneration of nerve cells, particularly those in the Dentate Gyrus. This area seems to play a significant role in the healing properties of 5-MeO-DMT and other DMT analogs.
What is the Dentate Gyrus and why is it important?
The DG is a part of the brain, which is the first region to receive and merge all sensory input together. These signals are then distributed to the correct areas of the brain. Interestingly, this is also the area that binds stimuli together, creating memories possibly pointing to 5-MeO-DMT’s efficacy in the use for treating PTSD.
How is neurogenesis triggered in the brain?
Neurogenesis and an increase in BDNF are directly related. The more BDNF is present, the faster the body will respond and repair itself.
5-Meo-DMT and Neurogenesis
Studies have shown that certain psychedelics work as serotonin 5-HT1A agonists in both animal and human trials to increase neuronal cell proliferation (neurogenesis). The study, “Single Dose of 5-MeO-DMT Stimulates Cell Proliferation, Neuronal Survivability, Morphological and Functional Changes in Adult Mice Ventral Dentate Gyrus” states that a dose of, “as little as 100 μg of 5-MeO-DMT was shown to increase cell proliferation in the adult Dentate Gyrus of the lab animals.”
The study shows definitively that 5-MeO-DMT affects neurogenesis in animal models. Keep in mind, this doesn’t necessarily mean it translates the same with humans. But due to the effects that similar psychedelics have on the brains of humans, it is safe to hypothesize that similar action is taking place in the case of 5-MeO-DMT.
In the same paper, researchers hypothesize that the effect of neurogenesis in the Dentate Gyrus may contribute to the known antidepressant properties of DMT and other DMT-derived compounds. DMT creates new brainwaves that allow people to essentially “re-wire” their realities and ascend from the negative patterns in which they’ve been stuck. The therapeutic potential at hand is incredibly exciting. As more clinical trials are performed and previous research is drawn upon, the path forward is sure to be ground-breaking.
Legality of 5-MeO-DMT
In the United States, both synthetic and natural 5-MeO-DMT is illegal to manufacture, distribute, possess, or buy, although this does not mean that keeping Bufo alvarius is necessarily illegal. Still, there have been cases, most of them in Arizona, where the drug laws are especially strict, that have led to people being charged with manufacturing a Schedule I drug. If found guilty, this carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three to 12 years.
Fortunately, not all areas are as hostile when it comes to psychoactive drugs. There is a growing list of states and counties that have introduced, or are introducing, laws decriminalizing the possession and use of psychedelics. This does not mean that they are now legal. It just means that the police will now place psychedelics as their lowest law enforcement priority.
In other countries, specifically Canada and Mexico, it is completely legal to manufacture, distribute, possess, and buy 5-MeO-DMT. Due to this fact, there is a whole cottage industry of clinics offering 5-MeO-DMT ceremonies in Mexico that will help with the procurement of the material, as well as provide a setting to partake in the ceremony.
Conclusion
5-MeO-DMT has been a part of rich cultural and spiritual experiences for thousands of years. Today, scientists, therapists, and curious individuals across the globe are beginning to experience the effects and benefits that this substance can provide. While some are turning to psilocybin mushrooms as their choice for psychedelic-assisted therapy, others are singling in on 5-MeO-DMT for being especially effective at getting to the root of underlying psychological problems, healing trauma, and dealing with addiction. While limitations due to legality still exist in most western countries, researchers and psychedelic advocates are slowly opening the door for more people to experience 5-MeO-DMT’s therapeutic potential.
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