Bio & Lab
4/10/2014

Dimethyltryptamine and the Possible Afterlife

There are many things in this world that cannot be explained, whether it be because of lack of technology or the lack of interest in the unknown. In this paper I will explain my finding on the molecule dimethlytrptamine and its direct relation to near death experiences and the afterlife. I have found multiple scientists and research groups that have dedicated their time to either prove or disprove the magnitude of this drug. There have been many mysteries and questions that arise in the scientific community when DMT is brought up and it is one of the most fascinating things I have learned about. A near death experience is a phenomenon that has happened to countless people around the world. Many people believe it is a sign of the afterlife, a type of proof of heaven. The molecule Dimethyltrptamine or “DMT” is a psychoactive chemical that causes intense visions and can induce its users to quickly enter a completely different "environment" that some have likened to an alien or parallel universe. The transition from our world to theirs occurs with no cessation of consciousness or quality of awareness. In this environment, beings often appear who interact with the person who is using DMT. The beings appear to inhabit this parallel realm. The DMT experience has the feel of reality in terms of detail and potential for exploration. The creatures encountered are often identified as being alien like or elf like. Some of the creatures appear to be three dimensional. Others appear to lack depth(1). The chemical is in every living thing ranging from the human brain to a little piece of grass, and extraction of it is extremely difficult regardless of where its being taken from.DMT is a derivative of tryptamine formed by substituting methyl groups for the two hydrogen atoms attached to the non-aromatic nitrogen atom in the tryptamine molecule.
Both the parent compound tryptamine and the N-methyltransferase system which is capable of converting it to DMT, occur in humans, but there is as yet no evidence that DMT is formed in vivo.(6) Eben Alexander’s Proof of Heaven is a recollection of his personal near death experience. Having undergone a weeklong coma and experiencing a “near death experience” alongside having years of experiences in the neuroscience field changed his mind about the possibility of an afterlife. The possibility of near death experiences as a sign of afterlife is still in question as more people continue to experience them. Research done by Dr. Rick Strassman shows the role of a psychedelic chemical known as dimethyltryptamine, in near death experiences. The descriptions of a typical dimethyltryptamine trip closely resemble that of Alexander’s near death experience. Although Dr. Alexander tries to dismiss his experience of the afterlife as an effect of hallucinations, there is evidence that shows that his experience can be scientifically described and proven. In the 1990’s, Dr. Rick Strassman conducted one of the first human studies of psychedelic drugs. DMT is a psychedelic compound that has been used throughout the ages in many different spiritual and religious manners. It can be found inside most living organism, and also inside the human brain, more specifically the pineal gland. Dr. Strassman’s research and tests of the compound led to the correlation of the compound and near death experiences (Hippleheuser). Prior to death, the brain secretes large quantities of Dimethyltryptamine. This leads to believe that DMT is a source of near death experiences and hallucinations due to its psychedelic properties. These hallucinations are so strong that those who experience them believe them to be reality more than a hallucination or dream. This same compound, DMT, is also the same chemical responsible for causing dreams during sleep. There is scientific evidence that may describe the reasons for why near death experiences happen.