Reactivations after 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine use in naturalistic settings: An initial exploratory analysis of the phenomenon’s predictors and its emotional valence
In a survey of 513 non‑clinical 5‑MeO‑DMT users, reactivations were more likely among women, older initiates, those with higher education and those dosing in structured group settings. Higher mystical experience scores, greater wellbeing and prior non‑drug non‑dual experiences predicted neutral or positive valence, suggesting reactivations are often benign or beneficial in this sample, though further work is needed to identify predictors of negative outcomes.
Authors
- Alan Davis
- Rafaelle Lancelotta
- Charles Raison
Published
Abstract
Background
The psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT has shown clinical potential due to its short duration and ability to induce mystical experiences. However, a phenomenon known as “reactivations” (similar to “flashbacks”) is a poorly understood and frequently reported phenomenon which appears associated with 5-MeO-DMT use and warranted further investigation.
Aims
This study examined whether differences in age, gender, education, lifetime use, use location, and preparation strategies predict reactivations (primary outcome). Additionally, we explored how reactivations were perceived by survey respondents and whether demographic data predicted emotional valence (secondary outcome) of reported reactivations.
Materials and methods
This study used secondary quantitative data from a survey assessing epidemiological and behavioral associations of 5-MeO-DMT use in non-clinical settings (N = 513). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regressions were utilized to explore aims.
Results
Being female, older at the time of first 5-MeO-DMT dose, having higher educational attainment, and dosing in a structured group setting were associated with increased odds of reporting a reactivation event. Higher mystical experience scores, greater personal wellbeing and having had a non-dual awareness experience that was not substance-induced were associated with higher likelihood of reporting a neutral or positive emotional valence of a reactivation event.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that reactivation phenomena, in this particular sample may most often represent a neutral or positive byproduct of the acute 5-MeO-DMT experience. More information is needed to best identify individuals most likely to experience a reactivation as a negative event to prevent such potential challenging outcomes.
Research Summary of 'Reactivations after 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine use in naturalistic settings: An initial exploratory analysis of the phenomenon’s predictors and its emotional valence'
Introduction
Interest in short-acting psychedelics has grown because prolonged acute drug effects (as with psilocybin or LSD) create logistical and resource barriers for therapeutic delivery. The tryptamine 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) produces a much shorter altered state (around 20–60 minutes) yet can reliably induce intense mystical-type experiences, and preclinical and survey data suggest potential benefits for anxiety, depression and wellbeing. However, epidemiological reports and online anecdotes indicate that use of 5-MeO-DMT is frequently followed by transient re-experiencing phenomena—termed "reactivations"—that resemble historically described psychedelic "flashbacks" and the DSM-5 construct Hallucinogen Persisting Perceptual Disorder (HPPD). These phenomena vary in content and emotional tone and remain poorly characterised in relation to 5-MeO-DMT.
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Study Details
- Study Typeindividual
- Journal
- Compound
- Topics
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- APA Citation
Ortiz Bernal, A. M., Raison, C. L., Lancelotta, R. L., & Davis, A. K. (2022). Reactivations after 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine use in naturalistic settings: An initial exploratory analysis of the phenomenon’s predictors and its emotional valence. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1049643
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