Diethyltryptamine (DET): An In-Depth Exploration

Introduction

Diethyltryptamine (DET), also known as N,N-DET or DET, is a synthetic psychedelic tryptamine closely related to Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Despite its structural similarity to DMT, DET is a rare substance with limited historical use among humans.

The Transmethylation Hypothesis

In the 1950s, the transmethylation hypothesis suggested that endogenous production of psychoactive agents might explain hallucinatory symptoms in psychiatric diseases, laying the groundwork for the exploration of substances like DET.

Chemistry of DET

DET belongs to the tryptamine class, characterized by a bicyclic indole heterocycle attached to an amino group via an ethyl side chain. Unlike DMT, DET has ethyl groups that protect it from degradation by the monoamine oxidase enzyme system, enabling oral activity.

Synthetic Analogues

DET has various analogues, including 4-HO-DET ("ethocin"), and can be used in conjunction with Psilocybe cubensis mycelium to produce synthetic chemicals like 4-PO-DET (Ethocybin) and 4-HO-DET (Ethocin).

Pharmacology

Due to limited research, discussions about DET's pharmacology rely on its structure and subjective effects, suggesting it acts as a 5-HT2A partial agonist. Unlike DMT, DET is orally active due to ethyl groups protecting it from degradation by monoamine oxidase.

Effects of DET

Physical Effects

  • Stimulation
  • Spontaneous physical sensations
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Nausea
  • Pupil dilation

Cognitive Effects

  • Conceptual thinking
  • Cognitive euphoria
  • Delusion
  • Emotion enhancement
  • Immersion enhancement
  • Increased music appreciation
  • Memory suppression
  • Ego death
  • Novelty enhancement
  • Personal bias suppression
  • Thought loops
  • Time distortion

Visual Effects

  • Enhancements
    • Colour enhancement
    • Pattern recognition enhancement
    • Visual acuity enhancement
  • Distortions
    • Drifting
    • Colour shifting
    • Depth perception distortions
    • Perspective distortions
    • Symmetrical texture repetition
    • Tracers
    • After images
    • Brightness alteration
    • Diffraction
  • Geometry
  • Hallucinatory states
    • Transformations
    • Internal hallucination


Toxicity and Harm Potential

The toxicity and long-term health effects of DET remain unstudied, with presumed similarity to DMT's toxicity profile. Anecdotal reports suggest minimal negative effects at low to moderate doses, emphasizing the importance of independent research before consumption.

Tolerance and Addiction Potential

Although not formally studied, DET is believed to be non-habit-forming, and the desire to use it may decrease with use. Immediate tolerance is built after ingestion, taking approximately 3 days to reduce by half and 7 days to return to baseline, showing cross-tolerance with other psychedelics.

Legal Status

Internationally, DET is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Specific regulations vary by country:

  • Australia: Schedule 9 controlled substance
  • Germany: Controlled under Narcotics Act, Schedule I
  • Italy: Schedule I controlled substance
  • New Zealand: Class A controlled substance
  • Switzerland: Controlled substance (Verzeichnis D)
  • United Kingdom: Class A controlled substance
  • United States: Schedule I controlled substance

In conclusion, DET remains a unique and under-researched psychedelic with potential applications and legal restrictions worldwide. Continued scientific exploration is essential for a comprehensive understanding of its effects and risks.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is Diethyltryptamine (DET)?

DET, also known as N,N-DET, is a synthetic psychedelic tryptamine closely related to Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). It shares a similar chemical structure but is rare and has limited historical usage among humans.

2. How does DET differ from DMT?

While structurally similar, DET has ethyl groups that protect it from degradation by the monoamine oxidase enzyme system, making it orally active. In contrast, DMT requires alternative administration methods due to rapid degradation.

3. What is the transmethylation hypothesis?

In the 1950s, the transmethylation hypothesis suggested that endogenous production of psychoactive agents might explain hallucinatory symptoms in psychiatric diseases, leading to the exploration of substances like DET.

4. How does DET affect the body?

DET can induce various physical effects, including stimulation, spontaneous sensations, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, nausea, and pupil dilation. These effects can vary based on dosage and individual reactions.

5. What are the cognitive effects of DET?

DET can influence cognitive functions, leading to conceptual thinking, cognitive euphoria, delusion, emotion enhancement, immersion enhancement, increased music appreciation, memory suppression, ego death, novelty enhancement, personal bias suppression, thought loops, and time distortion.

6. Are there visual effects associated with DET?

Yes, DET can produce visual effects, including enhancements such as color enhancement, pattern recognition enhancement, and visual acuity enhancement. Distortions may include drifting, color shifting, depth perception distortions, perspective distortions, symmetrical texture repetition, tracers, afterimages, brightness alteration, diffraction, and geometric patterns.

7. Is DET considered toxic, and what are the potential long-term effects?

The toxicity and long-term health effects of DET remain largely unstudied. Anecdotal reports suggest minimal negative effects at low to moderate doses, but comprehensive scientific research is lacking.

8. Is DET habit-forming?

There is a belief that DET is not habit-forming, and the desire to use it may decrease with continued use. However, formal studies on the addictive potential of DET are lacking.

9. What is the legal status of DET?

Internationally, DET is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Specific regulations vary by country, with some classifying it as a controlled substance for various purposes, such as medical or scientific research.

10. How should DET be approached?

Independent research is crucial to ensuring the safety of DET consumption. Users should be aware of potential risks, adhere to recommended dosage guidelines, and consider legal regulations in their respective regions.

Please note that this FAQ provides general information and does not replace professional advice. Individuals considering the use of DET should exercise caution, conduct thorough research, and consult with healthcare professionals when needed.