Research library / Survey
The epidemiology of 5-methoxy- N, N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) use: Benefits, consequences, patterns of use, subjective effects, and reasons for consumption
Davis AK, Barsuglia JP, Lancelotta R, et al. Journal of Psychopharmacology 2018;32(7):779-792
This online survey gathered reports from 515 people who had used 5-MeO-DMT, a short-acting psychedelic found in some plants and in the venom of the Sonoran Desert toad. Most respondents used it rarely, often fewer than four times in their life, and mainly for spiritual reasons. Around nine in ten described moderate to strong mystical-type experiences, while challenging experiences were reported less often and were usually mild. Very few reported craving or legal, medical or psychiatric problems. Among those with a prior psychiatric diagnosis, most said their symptoms improved afterwards, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. These are self-selected, retrospective accounts from people who answered an online advert, so they describe users' experiences rather than prove benefit or safety. The authors call for controlled studies.
What it found
- Most used 5-MeO-DMT rarely (less than once a year), mainly for spiritual exploration, and fewer than four times in their life.
- About 90% reported moderate to strong mystical-type experiences; about 37% reported very slight challenging experiences.
- Few reported craving (8%) or legal, medical or psychiatric problems (1% each).
- Of those with a psychiatric diagnosis, most reported improvement, for example PTSD 79%, depression 77% and anxiety 69%.