Mike Tyson Shock: Former Athlete Talks DMT, Says He 'Died' When He Tripped On Toad Venom

Mike Tyson is apparently no match for one of the most restricted psychedelic drugs in the U.S., toad venom. Tyson admitted during an event on Tuesday that he had "died" when he first tried out the potent drug.

The former world heavyweight champion said during his speech at a psychedelics conference in Miami that his first experience with toad venom was not what he had expected. Tyson said his first trip with the drug was when he tried a venom sourced from the Sonoran Desert Toad. He added that it completely changed his perspective on life and death.

Toad Venom Changed His Views On Life And Death

Tyson said he tried the drug around four years ago when he had felt down and out, and he wanted to try something new. The former boxer said he was heavily drinking and was taking drugs. Tyson said he weighed more than 100 pounds heavier during that time.

Tyson recently talked about his lowest point and his drug use when he appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast. He also discussed using DMT during the show.

Tyson said that when he tried the drug, he realized just how beautiful both life and death were and that he had faced his own mortality. Tyson added that he realized that he wouldn't be alive forever and that everyone was going to die someday.

"In my trips, I've seen that death is beautiful. Life and death both have to be beautiful, but death has a bad rep. The toad has taught me that I'm not going to be here forever. There's an expiration date," Tyson said.

Tyson claimed that using the drug had helped be become more "creative" and focused." He added that using the drug, which he says has happened more than 53 times now, also helped him become more "present" as a businessman and as an entrepreneur.

Heavily Restricted In The U.S.

Toad venom is one of the most potent psychoactive drugs on the market. The venom, which is secreted by a Toad when it is threatened, contains a psychoactive chemical known as 5-MeO-DMT.

Due to the recent popularity of the venom, thousands of the toads that secret the potent venom have been captured and milked. The use and distribution of toad venom is prohibited in the U.S., and doctors have warned that taking the drug could cause severe side effects.

Doctors said those that abuse the drug may experience adverse side effects such as increased heart rate, visual disturbances, dizziness, increased blood pressure, agitation, paranoia, chest pains, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Supporters of the legal use of the drug claimed that casual use could be beneficial as it could be a life-altering experience for some.

The drug in the venom, N-dimethyltryptamine or otherwise known as DMT, is listed as a Schedule One controlled substance by U.S. authorities, making it one of the most restricted chemicals in the country.