This study aims to examine the effectiveness of N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) administered through inhalation or intravenously in reducing withdrawal symptoms in cocaine addicts. It is hypothesized that DMT at mild, moderate, and high doses administered twice weekly for one month will significantly decrease withdrawal symptoms. Fifty participants will be randomly assigned to the inhalation or intravenous groups. Results are predicted to show a significant main effect of DMT administration method and dosage in reducing withdrawal symptoms, with moderate dosage predicted to be most effective.

1. Running head: THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 1
The Proposed Effectiveness of Inhalation and Intravenously Administered N, N-
dimethyltryptamine in Reducing Withdrawal Symptoms in Cocaine Addicts
Shelby Long
University of Texas at San Antonio

2. THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 2
Abstract
The purpose of this present study will be to present a revolutionary drug therapy for
individuals suffering from severe cocaine addictions through N, N-dimethyltryptamine
administered intravenously and through inhalation during a one month period. It is predicted that
N, N-dimethyltryptamine, a hallucinogen, can alleviate the withdrawal symptoms using an
adapted Withdrawal Rating Scale with 19 withdrawal symptoms and rating the hallucinogenic
experience using an adapted Hallucinogen Rating Scale. A hallucinogenic journal will also be
given to each participant to record their outer body experience. Results will show a significant
main effect in both administrations of N, N-dimethyltryptamine in the treatment of withdrawal
symptoms and all participants in each group are predicted to report a significant decrease in the
desire to relapse after treatment has commenced, showing similar results to the works of Hao &
Zhao, (2000) in the use of WeiniComm in heroin addicts. This study is predicted to have
profound significance in the advancement of further drug therapies using hallucinogens and has
the potential to revitalize the way we medicate those suffering from addictions.

3. THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 3
The Proposed Effectiveness of Inhalation and Intravenously Administered N, N-
dimethyltryptamine in Reducing Withdrawal Symptoms in Cocaine Addicts
The effects of N, N-dimethyltryptamine on the conscious human psyche have often been
an object of curiosity in the field of experimental psychology. N, N-dimethyltryptamine is
widely accepted as an endogenous human psychedelic, found in the human brain and in at least
60 plus plants and animals alike (Strassman, 2001). Many know this chemical as the culprit for
the bright white light one experiences during a near death experience or upon death, as it is
released in the brain to ease the passing of life (Strassman, 2001). N, N-dimethyltryptamine is a
necessary chemical compound for proper brain function, believed to be produced in the pineal
gland, or the “Third Eye” (Strassman, 1991). Given the little amount of conductive research
concerning N, N-dimethyltryptamine due to harsh regulations from the DEA outlined in
Strassman’s (2001) work, much can be learned in the subject of drug therapy from this
mysterious and intriguing compound.
A limited amount of previous research exists regarding other psychedelic drugs such as
lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin (magic mushrooms). Often these drugs are
explored as positive treatments for anxiety, depression (Bogenshutz & Johnson, 2016) and drug
recidivism (Hendricks, Clark, Johnson, Fontaine & Cropsey, 2014). The human testimonials of
experiencing an alternate reality of higher consciousness and subjective interaction with
perceived spiritual beings in perhaps the most well-known experiment involving N, N-
dimethyltryptamine concerning Rick Strassman in the early 1990’s (Rodriguez, 2006) brought
light to the potential positive effects that N, N-dimethyltryptamine may have on the altered,
drug-abused human mind. Drug therapy in reference to drug addiction has been documented
through many such clinical trials, such as experimentation with replacing the use of methadone

4. THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 4
with a natural, Chinese herbal root for heroin addicts (Hao & Zhao, 2000) and a new study that
has recently surfaced (Blum, Febo, Thanos, Baron, Fratantonio & Gold, 2015), specifically
outlining combating the reward deficiency syndrome (RDS) with dopamine agonist therapy. The
study conducted by Hao and Zhao (2000) showed significant improvement in the participant’s
well-being after the implementation of the Chinese herbal root and Blum al et. (2015) argued for
significant findings in short-term blockage and long-term upregulation in enhancing functionality
of RDS. Hallucinogens offer a unique opportunity to alternate the subject’s perception of self
through a low-dependence drug that produces pseudo-hallucinations through a euphoric
transcendence (Hendricks, Clark, Johnson, Fontaine, & Cropsey, 2014).
This study will attempt to measure the effectiveness of N, N-dimethyltryptamine in
alleviating the symptoms of withdrawal in heavy cocaine users. Using the works of Strassman
(2001) who conducted the largest known experiment to date concerning participants partaking in
dosages of N, N-dimethyltryptamine by documenting the effects in a scientific standpoint, a
relevant dosage of inhalation can be inferred from 30-50 mg. Referencing Rodriguez (2006),
which provided a methodology for studying the DMT-induced alternate reality in reference to
Strassman’s (2001) experiment, we can accurately deduct that appropriate amounts of
intravenously administered N, N-dimethyltryptamine can range from .04mg/kg-.08mg/kg. When
N, N-dimethyltryptamine is inhaled, a typical three inhalations is necessary to complete the
hallucinogenic experience as demonstrated in the works of Rodriguez (2006) and Strassman
(2001).
Research by Leister and Prickett (2012) in regards to Ayahuasca, a form of N, N-
dimethyltryptamine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors that is ingested, suggests that due to the
way the synaptic receptors correlate with the pleasure seeking receptors of the brain may aid in

5. THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 5
the alleviation of addiction. What separates the form of N, N-dimethyltryptamine that will we be
studying and the research involving Ayahausca is that Ayahausca is N, N-dimethyltryptamine
that is paired with MOA inhibitors (Leister & Prickett 2012) in order to elongate the out of body,
transcendent experience. With the absence of MOA inhibitors, the experience from first
inhalation or injection to the time of the afterglow may last roughly twenty minutes (Rodriguez
2006). When N, N-dimethyltryptamine is paired with MOA inhibitors to create Ayahausca, the
experience may last at least four hours. Rodriguez (2006) and Leister and Prickett (2012)
analyzed the effects that a longer experience under the DMT-induced alternate reality may
alleviate egocentrism and negative ailments.
Using the works of Strassman (2001), Leister and Prickett (2012), Hao and Zhao (2000),
and Brierley and Davidson (2012), there is a predicted main effect between levels of dosages and
the alleviation of withdrawal symptoms. There is a predicted main effect between the two types
of administered N, N-dimethyltryptamine and the alleviation of withdrawal symptoms. There is a
predicted interaction effect between levels of dosages and type of administered N, N-
dimethyltryptamine.
Method
For the purpose of this study, the amount and type of DMT administered to those who
suffer from cocaine addiction will be measured by mild, moderate, and high doses of DMT over
a period of one month, twice a week. For the N, N-dimethyltryptamine that is inhaled, a mild
dosage will constitute as three inhalations of 30mg, moderate will be three inhalations of 40 mg,
and high will by three inhalations of 50 mg. For the intravenously administered N, N-
dimethyltryptamine, the mild dosage of .04mg/kg will be administered twice a week for a period
of one month, the moderate dosage of .06mg/kg twice a week for one month and the high dosage

6. THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 6
of .08mg/kg twice a week for one month.
The participants in the present study will need to identify as heavy cocaine users that
reside in a rehabilitation clinic as demonstrated in previous research involving a Chinese herbal
root in the alleviation of cravings and withdrawal symptoms in heavy heroin addicts (Wei 2000).
Participants need to identify on the DSM-5 of alcohol and drug dependence (American
Psychiatry Association 2013). Participants will use the same Withdrawal Ratings Scale that was
used by Wei’s study conducted in 2000, surveying 19 different items that can be classified as
withdrawal symptoms ranging from depression and anxiety, nightmares, bone pain, etc.
Participants
Total number of participants for this study will be N=50(27 males), all of whom will be
recruited from The Right Step, an addiction recovery clinic in San Antonio. The 50 participants
will be in the age range from 18-35.
Inclusion criteria.
Only participants meeting the criteria for the DSM 5 category 3 for substance use and
dependence (American Psychiatric Association 2013) will be included. Those
participating must test positive for cocaine use within the 48 hours immediately
preceding the introduction of N, N-dimethyltryptamine. Participants must have
previously attempted treatment by participating in various forms of therapy and must
have admitted oneself to the rehabilitation clinic, expressing personal desire to become
clean individuals within the last 3 months. Those participating in this experiment must be
an inpatient and must not test positive for any other drug other than cocaine prior to the
experiment.

7. THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 7
Exclusion criteria.
Those excluded from this experiment include individuals who test positive for other
substances other than cocaine that may add hidden confounds to the results. Participants
may not have had previous experience with N, N-dimethyltryptamine.
Materials
Withdrawal Rating Scale: A rating scale with 19 symptoms to judge withdrawal
symptoms from a scale or 0-3, 0 being not at all to 3 being the most severe. These 19 items
include craving, anxiety, irritability, feelings of uneasiness, chills, depression, sweating, tremor,
lacrimation, yawning, insomnia, muscle ache, abdominal pain, constipation/diarrhea, bone pain,
nosebleeds, vomiting, nightmares, and blurred vision (Hao & Zhao, 2000). Urine Drug Test:
Urine drug test administered to ensure that participants only test positive for cocaine use 48
hours immediately prior to the introduction of N, N-dimethyltryptamine. Also used also once a
week within the duration of the experiment to ensure that participants were not illicitly using
cocaine during the experiment. Dream Journal and Pencil: Dream journal and pencil used for
participants to record what their experience was like while on N, N-dimethyltryptamine.
Hallucinogen Rating Scale: Scale adapted from Strassman (1992) used for participants to rate the
intensity of their experience from a scale range of 1-10 with 1 being determined as no
hallucinations but an emotional experience to 10 being an out of body experience with emotional
attachment.
Procedure
Those participating in both groups will provide informed consent prior to the
administration of experimental conditions. Instructions will be given to participants in separate
rooms as to ensure test blindness. Those within the sample size will be randomly assigned to one

8. THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 8
of the treatment groups to scale out an even focus; 25 participants to the inhalation administered
N, N-dimethyltryptamine and 25 participants to the intravenously administered N, N-
dimethyltryptamine. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the inhalation or the
intravenously administered N, N-dimethyltryptamine group and will be taken to separate rooms
for the privacy of the participant. The dosages for each group will be administered twice a week
over the course of one month. In the inhalation group of administered N, N-dimethyltryptamine,
participants will be given a dosage of 30 mg of N, N-dimethyltryptamine and will be instructed
to produce 3 inhalations of it within the time span of no more than 10 minutes. Those given the
moderate dosage of 40 mg of N, N-dimethyltryptamine will be expected to repeated the same
procedures as well as participants with the high dosage of 50 mg of N, N-dimethyltryptamine.
The dosages administered on the first day of the experiment will remain consistent for the
duration of the study.
Those participating in the intravenously injected N, N-dimethyltryptamine will be given a
mild dosage 0.04mg/kg twice a week over the course of one month. A moderate dosage will
consist of 0.06mg/kg and high will be 0.08mg/kg, following the same duration. In each group,
participants will be asked to record what their experience was like immediately following the
comedown. This will help further understand side effects such as “afterglow”. Participants will
also be asked to rate the experience on the Hallucinogenic Rating Scale and at the end of each
night regardless of dosage administered, participants will need to rate their symptoms of
Withdrawal Rating Scale. After each day a dosage is administered, participants will be debriefed,
offered a time slot to ask any questions, and will be thanked for their time. Participants will
return to their separate rooms within the recovery clinic and go about their daily lives until the
next day in the study arrives.

9. THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 9
Results
A 2 x 3 factorial ANOVA will be used to test all hypotheses within the present study.
In the 50 participants that will be randomly selected, it is predicted that at least one will no
longer be able to perform the specific therapy (Strassman, Qualls, & Berg, 1996). The average
age of those involved is predicted to be 34.58 with the average length of cocaine abuse being 60
months, classified as heavy users under the DSM 5 Drug Dependence scale (American
Psychiatric Association, 2013). Based on the study conducted by Hao and Zhao (2000) in
reference to drug therapy, it is predicted that the main effect between the levels of dosages of
DMT between mild, moderate, and high is that all administrated doses of DMT will have a
positive effect in decreasing withdrawal symptoms in cocaine addicts, but those who receive the
moderate dosage will find higher levels of decreased withdrawal symptoms.
The Withdrawal Rating Scale (Hao & Zhao, 2000) has been adapted from the original
19 heroin withdrawal symptoms to 19 cocaine withdrawal symptoms. The rate of decreased
symptoms will be measured by a drop from the participants’ original ratings. Referring to Table
1, F(1, 44) = 7.67, p = .04, it can be shown that there is a predicted significant main effect
decreased withdrawal symptoms in relation to levels of dosage of administration of N, N-
dimethyltryptamine. In reference to Figure 1, F(2, 44) = 8.33, p = .01, it can also be concluded
that a significant main effect on types of administration of N, N-dimethyltryptamine can be
predicted.
Figure 1 exemplifies the significant main effect of types of administration with
Inhalation (M =7.67) and the mean increase of Intravenous (M = 8.33). It can be inferred that the
highest significant main effect displayed in Figure 2 is with the Moderate dosage in between
variables of amount. Displayed in Figure 3, F(2, 44) = 7.04, p = .01 there is a predicted

10. THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 10
significant interaction between Moderate dosages (M = 11.5) and High dosages (M = 5.5). Based
on the study conducted by Strassman (1991) and Strassman (1996) it can be inferred that those
participants anticipating the higher dosages of inhaled N, N-Dimethyltryptamine and
intravenously administered DMT may experience too intense of a psychedelic trip to appropriate
such to alleviating withdrawal symptoms.
Discussion
Based on the predicted results of this experiment, it can be concluded that the predicted
positive outcome for inhaled N, N-dimethyltryptamine and intravenously administered N, N-
dimethyltryptamine will have a significant main effect supporting the null hypothesis. Both
treatments for cocaine abuse will be safely administered and are predicted decrease the
likelihood of drug regression in participants by drastically decreasing withdrawal symptoms.
Participants are predicted to show increased optimism for the future of their drug-free lifestyles
and have a new found spirituality due to the different degrees of their personal outer body
experiences from the effects of N, N-dimethyltryptamine during its peak activity. In reference to
a previous study conducted concerning the use of the Chinese herbal root for treatment of heroin
addicts (Hao & Zhao, 2000) and the multiple studies using N, N-dimethyltryptamine as a
hallucinogenic experimental element from the works of (Strassman, 2001), DMT can be
perceived to have positive effects on the participants well-being. It can also be predicted to
decrease the symptoms of withdrawals from cocaine use and aid in the participant’s will power
to remain clean after the experiment has concluded (Hendricks et al., 2014).
The relevance of this study can be demonstrated as aforementioned in the Hendricks et al.
(2014) predictions, which found that the use of hallucinogens in the treatment of drug therapy
may aid in the individual refraining from use of the drug of choice and influence the individual’s

11. THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 11
likelihood from criminal recidivism. A decrease in the probability of reverting back to drug use
when released from constraints can in theory keep the participant from reverting back to drug use
as well. Borgenschutz and Johnson (2016) demonstrated that though there is limited empirical
work regarding hallucinogens in the treatment of drug addictions, existing findings (LSD in the
treatment of alcoholism, psilocybin in the treatment of nicotine), suggest positive results for the
participants and safety in the use of drug therapy methods.
A potential limitation concerns the possibility of decreased sensitivity to N, N-
dimethyltryptamine over the projected time period (one month) due to negatively affected
serotonergic neurotransmission (Strassman, 1992). Additionally, participants may have
previously been exposed to N, N-dimethyltryptamine which may compromise the validity of the
experiment by already exhibiting a tolerance. Prescreening for prior N, N-dimethyltryptamine
exposure should be taken into consideration for future research possibilities. Another possibility
for future research might be to explore the effect of aiding participants in a possible mediation
technique after the end of each N, N-dimethyltryptamine session in order to ease the mind into
peace and aid in the permanence of each experience.
The predicted results of this experiment have the potential to revitalize the way society
treats drug abuse by presenting a new possible form of drug therapy and instead treat addiction
with a spiritual experience by a chemical found within all living things (Rodriguez, 2006).
Brierley and Davidson (2012) demonstrated improved mental health reported by individuals
given N, N-dimethyltryptamine and a decrease in recidivism in habits of drug abuse. Rather than
criminalizing and institutionalizing each individual suffering from addiction, this treatment has
the potential to introduce those suffering from addiction a new therapy separate from other
pharmaceutical treatments.

12. THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 12
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13. THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 13
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biology of near-death and mystical experiences. Park Street Press, Rochester, VT.

14. THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 14
Dosage Amount of DMT
Consumption
Mild Moderate High
M SD M SD M SD M
Inhalation 7 10 10 6 6 9 7.666667
Intravenous 7 9 13 8 5 9 8.333333
Table 1. Mean for each condition.

15. THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 15
Figure 1. Main effect on type of administration of DMT.
#ofDecreasedWithdrawal
Symptoms

16. THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 16
Figure 2. Main effect on level of dosage of DMT.
#ofDecreasedWithdrawal
Symptoms

17. THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVENESS 17
Figure 3. Interaction effect on type of administration of DMT and level of dosage.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Mild Moderate High
Inhalation
Intravenous
#ofDecreasedWithdrawal
Symptoms