Abstract
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.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 114-122 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Psychedelic Studies |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2021 |
Keywords
- 5-MeO-DMT
- Challenging experience
- Context
- Mystical experience
- Psychedelics
- Set and setting
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Psychology
- Pharmacology (medical)
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Biological Psychiatry
- Social Psychology
- Health(social science)
- Anthropology