Preliminary, uncontrolled studies demonstrate that when taken in a safe environment, 5MeO-DMT is associated with improvement in symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse. Despite this potential benefit, the acute experience of using psychedelics can be challenging and include increased fear, paranoia, depression, dissociation, and more.
A retrospective study published in the Journal of Psychedelic Studies, sampled 5MeO-DMT users in an Internet survey. The sample was divided into 2 groups – users in a structured (ceremonial) setting with preliminary screening, mental preparation and guidance, versus users in an unstructured setting, at home or at a festival. All subjects retrospectively filled out a questionnaire to assess their mystical experience and to assess the extent to which their experience was challenging.
The study’s results indicate that the use of 5MeO-DMT generated a mystical experience in both groups, and the experience was reported as spiritual and more positive by respondents of the structured setting group. The same group also reported a more significant mystical experience (83% vs. 54%).
