4-Aco-MET falls into a category of drugs known as research chemicals. Research chemicals are relatively new into the scene but have been around since 1984. The drugs came to the market following the appearance on the illicit drug market in the United States of many fentanyl derivatives.
They were initially defined as analogs or chemical cousins of the controlled substances they were intended to mimic. Some highly potent substitutes for heroin caused several accidental deaths in years past, and it is necessary to know the dangers associated with drugs not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or that have any background.
There was a synthetic contaminant in years past (MPTP) in an a-prodine derivative that led to Parkinson’s disease in many intravenous drug users. In 1986, there was a law enacted in the United States known as the Controlled Substance Analogue Enforcement of 1986 that stemmed from the Controlled Substances Act. The intention was to ban designer drugs preemptively by making it illegal to manufacture, sell, or possess chemicals that were similar in chemistry and pharmacology to Schedule I or Schedule II drugs. It was a vital step in the process to eliminate the rise of these new drugs, but it has not been an easy road for lawmakers.
Amphetamine derivatives were next in line in the evolution of designer drugs, but during the past few years, there has been a rapid increase in the number of new substances coming to the market. An estimated 170 substances have been reported since 1997, and more than half of those appeared in 2006.
As mentioned above, a lack of medical studies makes it challenging to gauge the safety of research chemicals. Research chemicals are often manufactured in secret labs that create entirely new compounds that scientists have never heard of before.
The lack of information about toxicity, adverse health risks, or lethal doses of the chemicals makes their use even riskier than the use of more common and well-studied substances. One of these newer and lesser-known research chemicals is named as 4-AcO-MET. It is related to other psychedelic tryptamines by the names of 4-AcO-DMT, 4-AcO-DET, and 4-AcO-MiPT. Very little data exist about the pharmacological properties, making it inherently dangerous to consume. By consuming the drug and not knowing much about how it can interact with potential medical problems, it could lead to adverse reactions or even death.
What Is 4-AcO-MET?
4-Acetoxy-N-ethyl-N-methyltryptamine, which is also known as 4-Aco-MET, Metacetin, or Azomet, is a less commonly known psychedelic substance that falls into the tryptamine chemical class of drugs. The drug produces effects that are similar to psilocybin (mushrooms) when consumed. The substance has been found in pressed pills sold in the streets of northern Switzerland, but it is becoming more prevalent in the psychedelic scene.
As we discussed above, very little information is available that pertains to its pharmacological properties, metabolism, or toxicity. There is even less history of human consumption, but it is a research chemical that is explicitly sold online. The little information that is available mentions that it is highly advisable to practice harm reduction practices if using 4-AcO-MET.
What Are the Effects of 4-AcO-MET?
4-AcO-MET is a potent drug that only requires as little as 5 mg (milligrams) to experience an effect. The duration lasts anywhere from four to six hours. The data is subjective, but users have reported effects that have lasted up to 10 hours after consumption. Because it is similar to psilocybin, it can produce intense physical and cognitive outcomes.
Some of the Most Common Physical Effects That Have Been Reported Include:
- Feelings of muscle relaxation
- Feelings of sedation
- Physical sensations
- Feeling of disassociation
- Muscle contractions
- Excessive yawning
- Hallucination
- Dilated pupils
- Teeth grinding
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Some of the Most Common Cognitive Effects That Have Been Observed Are:
- Feelings of delusion
- Conceptual thinking
- Detailed analysis of the outside environment
- Enhanced emotions
- Deep appreciation of music
- Suppression of memory
- Distortion of time
- Brain zaps (head or brain zaps that feel like someone has been suddenly jolted by a strong electric charge)
Users Have Reported Visual Effects, Such As:
- Enhanced color
- Recognition of patterns; enhancement
- Visual enhancement
- Drifting
Is 4-AcO-MET Addictive?
Since the drug closely resembles psychedelics, it does not have the traits necessary to cause physical addiction; however, that does not mean it’s without any dangers. While psychedelic drugs aren’t typically addictive, they can cause dependence, and the body can become reliant on their use.
From what is known about 4-AcO-MET, it does not create cravings that drugs like heroin or alcohol can cause. Those who have developed a psychological dependence on the feelings the drug produces will find it increasingly difficult to stop on their own.
Psychological cravings are a possibility when it comes to psychedelic drugs. The user may feel like they need to go back to that psychedelic world to escape reality, and it is these feelings that can consume someone enough to continue using the drug. As with any drug, if the dose is increased, then the risk of adverse side effects is also increased, and this can lead to serious health problems.
4-AcO-MET is unpredictable, and as a psychedelic, it has the potential to cause mood swings and erratic behavior. If someone is under the influence of the drug and has a terrifying hallucination, they can act out based on fear and create a dangerous situation for themselves and others.
Treatment Options for 4-AcO-MET
Individuals who have underlying mental health issues are at a higher risk when taking mind-altering psychedelic drugs like 4-AcO-MET. These drugs can lead to severe psychological problems, and there are many cases when these types of drugs are used for the sole purpose of escaping their mental illness. Unfortunately, this is a hazardous solution and can have long-lasting damage that cannot be repaired. It is imperative that if you or someone you know is abusing this research chemical that they get help immediately.
Medical detoxification is the first step in the continuum of care, and because there are no physical cravings that will arise from use, this process may be able to be completed on an outpatient basis. During this period, you will clear the toxins from your body and achieve stability in your mind and body.
You also will go through an assessment period in which clinicians will determine if you have underlying medical conditions that fuel your 4-AcO-MET use. If they do find that you have a mental health disorder, they could recommend that you receive dual diagnosis treatment. This kind of treatment addresses one’s substance addiction and mental health disorder at the same time.
The next level of care will be determined in the assessment phase. If the staff determines you require extra attention to treat your dual diagnosis, you will be placed into a residential treatment center for up to 90 days. It will consist of therapy sessions and rediscovering who you are. You will learn how to live with your diagnosis. If they determine you need less extensive care, the staff will assign you to an outpatient facility.
Start Treatment for 4-AcO-MET Today
If you or someone you know has moved past the experimental phase with 4-AcO-MET, there is help available to you. To learn more about addiction treatment, speak to an addiction treatment specialist at Serenity at Summit by calling 844-432-0416 or connect with us online. There are many options available to treat you, and we are ready to offer that help if you are ready to accept it.
