Wow, thanks all again for such awesome guidance and opinions. They're all so good, I wish I could take a few hours to address all of you!

I do have another comment about the suggestion of less-intense options.

Since hearing/reading about DMT, I have been less interested in trying other psychedelic/entheogen/etc substances because really the only reason I am interested is for spiritual reasons and self-discovery, NOT to see things just for the sake of seeing/hearing things. I can appreciate that working my way up would be the wisest route, but I guess I am thinking of it like getting into a pool of cold water. Step in slowly and you draw out the hesitations to take the plunge, and going in slowly isn't giving you what you want but teasing you along. I think that ideally, I would like to have some sort of ritual to guide me and really plan on having a first rate symbolic experience. Sort of an initiation into seeing the world in a new way. I have to say that all of the positive comments about DMT experiences have me feeling it will ultimately be a great choice for me, that it will help me come to terms with this struggle that has been inside of me since I can remember.

I definitely want to be that person who is so at peace with myself as a being that I can stop feeling so enslaved by concerns of others. I so wish this could help me. I believe that my logical, sane brain KNOWS all of these things about how I have strengths and am a good person and have loads of potential, but something is getting in my way. Maybe maybe maybe this is a key for me, if not THE key, at least it may unlock one of these doors...?

Also listening to a lot of Graham Hancock who regularly references Ayahuasca.

Is there anyway to find local "practitioners" who would be trustworthy as guides? My circle of friends has a few who would have access, but I don't believe anyone mature enough or experienced enough to guide me (hence why I am asking for guidance here!).

Thanks again, all! Glad to have found you!