Inhaled 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine

Supportive context associated with positive acute and enduring effects

Bibliographic Data

ID4695897
AuthorsNathan D Sepeda (Johns Hopkins University, corresponding author), John M Clifton, John Clifton (Johns Hopkins Medicine), Laura Y Doyle (Johns Hopkins University), Rafael Lancelotta, Rafaelle L Lancelotta (0000-0002-7789-3463, University of Wyoming), Roland R Griffiths (0000-0001-5185-7854, Johns Hopkins Medicine), A K Davis (0000-0003-4770-8893, The Ohio State University)
Year2020
Volume4
Issue2
Pages114-122
Publication date2020-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Psychedelic Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2559-9283 • E-ISSN: 2559-9283
PublisherAkademiai Kiado Zrt (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1556/2054.2019.033
OpenAlexW2998604208
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited33

Background and aims 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a potent, short-acting psychedelic that produces strong hallucinogenic effects. The association between the context (i.e., set and setting) of 5-MeO-DMT use and the acute and enduring effects of the substance is unknown. Therefore, this study examined these associations using secondary data from two cross-sectional survey studies. Methods The acute and enduring effects of inhaled synthetic 5-MeO-DMT were compared between individuals who used 5-MeO-DMT in a non-structured context (NSC; n = 216, female = 10%, Mage = 35.5, SD = 11.8) and those who used in a structured context (SC; n = 362, female = 45%, Mage = 47.7, SD = 13.3). Questionnaires were administered online and responses were anonymized for privacy purposes. Respondents were asked to retrospectively rate their first experience with synthesized 5-MeO-DMT on measures of mystical experience, challenging experience, and enduring effects. Results Both groups endorsed high ratings on the Mystical Experience Questionnaire; however, mean scores were significantly higher in the SC group compared to the NSC group. Similarly, the proportion of respondents who had a complete mystical experience was significantly larger in the SC group (83%) compared to the NSC group (54%). Ratings of enduring effects (i.e., meaningfulness, spirituality, and well-being) were also significantly higher, and the intensity of challenging experiences was significantly lower, in the SC group compared to the NSC group. Conclusions 5-MeO-DMT appears to occasion mystical-type experiences with enduring positive effects, which are more intense when 5-MeO-DMT is administered in a safe and supportive context. Future prospective experimental studies should examine the effects of 5-MeO-DMT and its interactive relationship with supportive contextual factors

Alternative medicine · Mysticism · Spirituality · Theology · Chemical synthesis and alkaloids · Clinical Psychology · Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis · Medicine · Psychedelics and Drug Studies · Psychology

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