Salvia vs. DMT: Differences and Important Effects

Where do Salvia and DMT Come From?

Salvia is a traditional Mexican drug that has been used for centuries by Mazatec shamans to induce an altered state of consciousness. Salvia divinorum (sage of the diviners) is a plant that belongs to the sage family. They have solid hallucinogenic properties that Native Americans have widely used for medical and religious purposes.DMT is a psychedelic tryptamine found in both animal and plant species. Ancient cultures in South America initially used it, but it is now used worldwide. It can be produced synthetically, and its effects are powerful compared to other psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin mushrooms.

Effects of Salvia and DMT

While salvia and DMT have similar properties, they are both used for vastly different purposes by people worldwide. According to sources¹https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens, both substances produce an altered state of consciousness and are known for intense hallucinations, which can be mild or highly potent depending on if someone took a significant amount. While the effects of salvia and DMT are relatively similar, there are some key differences. Salvia usually results in a brief but intense experience that is very different from those of other psychedelics. Here are some keynotes on salvia’s effects on the body:

• Salvia’s effects usually last less than ten minutes
• Effects are primarily consisting of hallucinations
• Hallucinations can be mild or intense depending on the amount consumed
• Hallucinations can be “cartoonlike” with talkativeness and uncontrolled laughter

DMT produces a more vivid and colorful high, as well as feelings of euphoria and warmth. That generally starts within 20-30 seconds after use and typically peaks within two minutes. The effects last much longer than salvia, typically around 20-30 minutes. The DMT trip creates an enhanced sense of awareness, in which users may amplify senses. Synesthesias are another side effect of DMT that produces individuals think they can see and taste sounds while hearing colors. Both salvia and DMT are hallucinogens. Hallucinogens are a type of drug which can cause someone to feel and see things that aren’t there. They distort the user’s perceptions, causing them to see or hear things differently than they really are in reality. Hallucinogens are not physically addictive, but they are psychologically addicting. People who use hallucinogens can become dependent on the feelings or sensations it creates to escape reality and avoid life’s problems.

How are Both Drugs Most Commonly Used?

You can use salvia in two ways. Users can smoke dried leaves or use water vapor to extract the active ingredient and inhale it through their mouths. Smoking salvia brings on effects almost immediately, while those who ingest orally experience a less intense onset of feelings that vary from mild relaxation to hallucinations within five minutes after ingestion.DMT can be smoked, swallowed, and injected, but most users prefer smoking because they feel the effects take hold more quickly this way than any other method of administration. When taken orally, there is time for some psychoactive effect before eating anything, which might slow down its absorption into the body’s system.

Side Effects of Salvia and DMT

While Salvia and DMT have primarily short-term effects on the body and tend to produce minor side effects, the side effects will vary between individuals and the amount consumed. A large predictor of side effects will be determined by each person’s mental health, mood, and general physical state. The amount that is consumed is another key factor in side effects, as well. Salvia:

• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Delusions

DMT:

• Rapid heart rate
• Raised blood pressure
• Chest pain or a feeling of tightness
• Agitation
• Dizziness
• Rapid eye movements
• Dilated pupils

If you are concerned about some of the side effects, contacting Windward Way Recovery can be an excellent resource for you. Windward Way Recovery wants all patients to feel confident when making their decisions regarding drug addiction recovery programs, so we always try our best to fully inform them on every aspect of our programs so they make an educated decision about which option is right for them.

Legal Status of Salvia and DMT

The legal status of salvia in the United States is highly variable. It has been banned for sale or possession in some states, while other states have only regulated its availability requiring age verification upon delivery to a buyer’s address. In many countries, it remains unregulated like most hallucinogenic drugs either because they are not considered dangerous enough to be controlled under law or insufficient data on their usage rates among young people to merit such action. The legality of DMT varies from country to country, but since it can also be created synthetically, manufacturing and distributing it without proper licensing may violate drug laws depending on the location. Although DMT or ayahuasca is legal in other countries, the United States banned the drug in the 1970s. While a small number of hallucinogens are classified as addictive, DMT can be mighty and toxic to one’s mental and physical health.

Are Salvia and DMT Safe to Take?

While salvia usually has minimal long-term health risks, there have been cases of people suffering from long-term psychosis and depression after using salvia for a prolonged time. Salvia use has been linked to a type of mental discomfort known as dysphoria²https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/salvia.html#:~:text=Some%20studies%20suggest%20that%2C%20over,trouble%20and%20other%20health%20problems., marked by sadness, dissatisfaction, and restlessness. Smoking any substance for lengthy periods, including salvia, may cause breathing issues and other health concerns. The primary issue with salvia is that it has strong psychological consequences. Users under the influence of salvia can be a severe risk since the drug may hinder their coordination and reality. Salvia users have a significant danger of personal injury or death.Hallucinations/distortions of objects or people around you can appear frightening or pleasant depending on the individual experiencing them.DMT has been described as the most potent psychedelic drug known to man, which is why it’s not considered safe by any means. It can produce adverse side effects such as anxiety, headache, or increased blood pressure that may lead to heart attacks in some.DMT is considered relatively safe for healthy patients when taken orally at low doses under appropriate supervision. There have been no known cases of death resulting from taking DMT alone. In conclusion, the risks of taking salvia and DMT may outweigh the positives in most cases. However, if you decide to try the drug, it is recommended you talk to your doctor before consumption.

Special Precautions

While minor consumption rarely has significant long-term health risks, there are some cases where salvia and DMT should be avoided. Salvia: There is insufficient evidence to determine if salvia divinorum is hazardous during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Avoid using it based on the current evidence. Some individuals have experienced hallucinations and ideas while using salvia divinorum. It is unknown whether this risk is greater in those with schizophrenia or those with a family history of the disease. If you have schizophrenia or are susceptible to the illness, avoid the use of salvia.

DMT: DMT can exacerbate the condition for those who have a history of psychological problems and addiction, so it’s best to avoid using this drug. People with high blood pressure or heart conditions should not take ayahuasca because of its effects on these health issues.

Abuse and Treatment

When salvia is abused, it can lead to violent behavior and psychotic episodes. There have even been a few cases where people under the influence act out their hallucinations or delusions with no memory of what they did afterward.DMT has not been known as an addictive drug because users do not continue taking it over long periods like those who abuse other drugs such as cocaine or heroin. However, in very rare circumstances, DMT use may become a dependency. Recreational abuse is not common, although it does happen, and using DMT might lead to cross-tolerance with other psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin and LSD. Pleasurable hallucinations can motivate a person to want more of the substance, resulting in physical and mental illness. It is critical to address substance use issues quickly, especially when dealing with powerful and hazardous substances like DMT. If someone feels they are addicted to salvia or DMT, there are many ways to receive help. One of the first things would be calling your doctor for assistance. If you are not comfortable speaking with your family doctor, reach out to Windward Way Recovery. Windward Way Recovery has a team of highly trained experts who can help you become addiction-free.

What Does Treatment Look Like?

If looking to end an addiction to salvia or DMT, there are many processes that Windward Way Recovery can assist with. Treatment can include inpatient and outpatient programs for those entirely free from addiction or who want to continue their recovery process within a more supportive environment. Windward Way Recovery works closely with every individual during treatment, allowing them comfort knowing they will not relapse while under such care. Treatment centers encourage each person’s physical well-being as much as possible by encouraging healthy eating habits, ensuring proper exercise routines, and also providing alternative activities that promote positive thinking. If cravings become present again, having a support team trained to help, you become addiction-free may be just what you need. Some strategies can include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness training helps individuals become more aware of their feelings, behaviors, and thoughts in the present moment rather than dwelling on experiences or future expectations.
• Learning new coping skills such as relaxation techniques is also taught during these sessions for those who need help managing difficult emotions or cravings when they arise.
• Relapse Prevention therapy provides tools needed if a relapse occurs so early intervention can prevent full-blown addiction from taking over again.
• Family support groups like Al-Anon provide information about drug use disorders while encouraging healthy relationships between family members/friends affected by someone’s addiction without judgment towards anyone.

If you are looking for more information on the kinds of treatment that Windward Way Recovery can provide, contact our team today.

Summary

There is often common confusion about the differences between salvia and DMT because of their similarities. Both produce intense hallucinations that are short, but the way they affect the user is very different. Salvia users typically experience a dreamy state where images flow through visual fields with kaleidoscopic colors accompanied by music or voices, which can be pleasant if not overwhelming. The effects of salvia tend to be more sedating than stimulating, similar to opiate drugs like Vicodin or oxycodone. It has been compared to having brain activity consisting primarily of thoughts about one’s childhood memories even though current events may still occur around them. On the other hand, DMT creates a state of intense euphoria and visual hallucinations with geometric patterns or moving lights. The effects can be frightening if the person is not prepared for what they see, hear and feel during this psychedelic experience. Anyone considering taking either substance must know their limits before using them because these drugs are potent hallucinogens that could lead to dangerous accidents or injuries if taken in excess without guidance from an experienced user. If you are or if you know someone that may be addicted to salvia or DMT, book an appointment with Windward Way Recovery so we can assist you on your journey to recovery.