Why Is DMT Called The Spirit Molecule?
What is the “spirit molecule” creating intrigue in the US and why exactly is it called that?
DMT, or N,N-dimethyltryptamine, is a hallucinogenic chemical derivative of tryptamine and is largely responsible for the spiritual and hallucinogenic high in ayahuasca.
The high induced by DMT has led to this compound being named the ‘spirit molecule’ due to the out of body experiences, intense visual hallucination, and feelings of spiritual enlightenment that have been described by those who have taken it.
DMT’s Long History As The ‘Spirit Molecule’
Despite recent growing interest in DMT in the US, DMT has been known to have spirutual properties for hundreds of years in South American religious communities. The DHT heavy ayahuasca is a traditional part of shamanistic rituals in South American communities and has been used as such for hundreds of years. One study analyzed residue from archeological material used in ancient rituals and found traces of DMT and other ingredients used for ayahuasca dating to 1,000 years ago.
DMT’s ‘Spiritual’ Effects
So what exactly does DMT feel like?
One study sought to analyze the effects of DMT and intravenously delivered DMT at varying doses to participants who were then asked to rate the effects of DMT using the Hallucinogen Rating Scale (HRS). The effects of DMT were reported by participants early after delivery, peaking at 90-120 seconds and quickly disappearing, with the most intense effects being reported to have dissipated after 30 minutes.
Bright and visual images were common hallucinogen effects reported by participants, while auditory hallucinations were less common. Other effects described included “loss of control” and “rush”, as well as euphoria and dissociated states. Interestingly participants also described the DMT experience as being more vivid and gripping than either normal waking awareness or dreams.
With such intense and vivid visual hallucinations as well as the rush and euphoria felt by participants, it’s not hard to understand why DHT and Ayahuasca are often described to induce spiritual experiences.
How Does The Spirit Molecule Work?
While often attributed to spiritual and religious experiences, there is also substantial research explaining the mechanisms behind DMT.
DMT can be stored in neurotransmitter storage vesicles where it can then act on serotonin receptors to induce a range of effects. Activation of the serotonin system is thought to largely be responsible for DMT’s hallucinogenic effects. Activation of serotonin receptors such as 5-HT2 and 5-HT2A can increase serotonin levels and thereby may be able to create a hallucinogen effect by enhancing glutamatergic transmission in the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex is the largest area of the brain and is responsible for processing information and an increase in glutamatergic transmission can create higher-level cognitive functioning and perceptual distortions.
The Psychological Effects Of DMT
As well as its use as a hallucinogen, DMT has also been investigated for its ability to treat psychiatric disorders and its potential to improve cognitive functioning and mood-related disorders could also add to its status as the “spiritual molecule”.
While more research is needed, there have been some promising results indicating that DHT might hold some potential as a treatment for anxiety and depression.