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LightbulbSun
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What kind of short term and long term effects does DMT have on the brain?
ZeuZ said:As it is natural and works primarily on your mind, not your body, it does not cause physical damage to the body like other man made drugs (similar to LSD or Psilocybin) but it can change peoples perception of life from a mental perspective. Skeptics would say that changing your mental perception is brain damage, but the users often say they prefer the change it makes to them, so by their standard its beneficial and not causing damage, it just depends how you look at it.
Moonbear said:This is a misstatement. First, there is no such thing as a drug that acts on the "mind" but not the body...the actions of hallucinogens involves modifying the function of the brain, which is a very important part of the body. And, there is no reason to assume that just because a substance occurs naturally that it cannot cause harm to the body. Indeed, toxicity is dose related. As an example of another example of a substance naturally produced by the body that can be harmful to it, estrogen is naturally produced by the body, yet in higher doses than it is naturally produced, it is a carcinogen.
Short-term effects of DMT on the brain include altered perception of time and space, increased heart rate and blood pressure, changes in visual and auditory perception, and intense feelings of joy or fear.
There is limited research on the long-term effects of DMT on the brain. However, some studies suggest that chronic use may lead to changes in brain structure and function, as well as potential psychological effects such as increased anxiety or depression.
There is currently no evidence to suggest that DMT is addictive in the traditional sense. However, some individuals may experience psychological dependence on the drug and may feel a strong desire to use it again after their initial experience.
There is no evidence to suggest that DMT causes permanent brain damage. However, as with any mind-altering substance, there is a potential for adverse effects on brain function, especially with chronic use.
Some studies have shown that DMT may have potential therapeutic benefits for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of DMT on the brain and its potential benefits.